title stringlengths 0 901 | abstract stringlengths 3 9.89k | PMID int64 22 25.3M | embedding listlengths 768 768 |
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Food-related attentional bias. Word versus pictorial stimuli and the importance of stimuli calorific value in the dot probe task. | The primary aim of this study was to extend previous research on food-related attentional biases by examining biases towards pictorial versus word stimuli, and foods of high versus low calorific value. It was expected that participants would demonstrate greater biases to pictures over words, and to high-calorie over low-calorie foods. A secondary aim was to examine associations between BMI, dietary restraint, external eating and attentional biases. It was expected that high scores on these individual difference variables would be associated with a bias towards high-calorie stimuli. Undergraduates (N = 99) completed a dot probe task including matched word and pictorial food stimuli in a controlled setting. Questionnaires assessing eating behaviour were administered, and height and weight were measured. Contrary to predictions, there were no main effects for stimuli type (pictures vs words) or calorific value (high vs low). There was, however, a significant interaction effect suggesting a bias towards high-calorie pictures, but away from high-calorie words; and a bias towards low-calorie words, but away from low-calorie pictures. No associations between attentional bias and any of the individual difference variables were found. The presence of a stimulus type by calorific value interaction demonstrates the importance of stimuli type in the dot probe task, and may help to explain inconsistencies in prior research. Further research is needed to clarify associations between attentional bias and BMI, restraint, and external eating. | 25,193,161 | [
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Life-threatening hemorrhage during removal of a Nuss bar associated with sternal erosion. | We present a case of life-threatening hemorrhage occurring during Nuss bar removal without obvious cardiac or major vascular injury. A 19-year-old woman with marfanoid features had undergone a Nuss procedure 3 years earlier for a pectus index of 7.2. A lateral chest radiograph revealed erosion of the upper bar into the sternum. During surgery, a 3.5-L blood loss occurred after removal of the eroded bar. This case provided many opportunities to improve preparedness for bar removal. | 25,193,200 | [
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Hybrid treatment for type A acute aortic dissection with multiorgan malperfusion. | We present a hybrid surgical and endovascular repair for type A aortic dissection complicated with visceral ischemia. The patient had a history of coronary artery bypass grafting using the right gastroepiploic artery bypassed to the left anterior descending artery. Because of exacerbated metabolic acidosis and coronary ischemia caused by insufficient blood flow of the celiac artery and the superior mesenteric artery, the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for both arteries was performed before surgical central repair. Hybrid operating room settings and equipment are considered to be a feasible option for treating patients with type A aortic dissection complicated with vital organ malperfusion. | 25,193,208 | [
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A novel technique of aortic root reconstruction for extensive endocarditis: the pericardial skirt technique. | Extensive aortic valve endocarditis requires thorough debridement of the paravalvular tissue, and reconstruction of the destroyed aortic root can be technically difficult. In the present report, we describe a simple technique for aortic root reconstruction. In this technique, a doughnut-shaped bovine pericardial sheet (skirt) is attached to the proximal end of a valved conduit and then sewn onto the destroyed aortic annulus. Because skirt flexibility facilitated excellent adaptation to the irregular annular plane, we did not encounter any severe bleeding from the proximal anastomosis of the valved conduit in any of the cases. We believe that our procedure may be beneficial for aortic root reconstruction in patients with extensive endocarditis. | 25,193,209 | [
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Systematic overuse of healthcare services: a conceptual model. | A perfect storm of factors influences the overuse of healthcare services in the USA. Considerable attention has been placed on geographic variation in utilization; however, empiric data has shown that geographic variation in utilization is not associated with overuse. While there has been renewed interest in overuse in recent years, much of the focus has been on the overuse of individual procedures. In this paper we argue that overuse should be thought of as a widespread and pervasive phenomenon that we coin as systematic overuse. While not directly observable (i.e., a latent phenomenon), we suggest that systematic overuse could be identified by tracking a portfolio of overused procedures. Such a portfolio would reflect systematic overuse if it is associated with higher healthcare costs and no health benefit (including worse health outcomes) across a healthcare system. In this report we define and conceptualize systematic overuse and illustrate how it can be identified and validated via a simple empirical example using several Choosing Wisely indicators. The concept of systematic overuse requires further development and empirical verification, and this paper provides an important first step, a conceptual framework, to that end. | 25,193,241 | [
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Compromised motor control in children with DCD: a deficit in the internal model?—A systematic review. | A viable hypothesis to explain the compromised motor ability of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) suggests a fundamental deficit in their ability to utilize internal models for motor control. Dysfunction in this mode of control is thought to compromise their motor learning capabilities. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the available evidence for the internal modeling deficit (IMD) hypothesis. A systematic review using five databases identified 48 relevant articles. These studies were categorized according to the effector system involved in the evaluation of motor control and were evaluated for methodological quality. In most papers, DSM-IV-TR criteria for the classification of DCD were not completely fulfilled and possible attentional problems not accounted for. Results showed compromised control of overt and covert eye movements, dynamic postural control, manual control for tasks that vary in complexity, and for motor imagery of manual and whole-body postures. Importantly, this review shows support for general hypothesis that deficits of predictive control manifest in DCD across effector systems. | 25,193,246 | [
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Effects of commercial in ovo injection of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol on bone development and mineralization in male and female broilers. | Improved bone development and mineralization in broilers have been attributed to the use of 25-hydroxylcholecalceiferol [25(OH)D3] as a dietary supplement. In this study, effects of the in ovo injection of 25(OH)D3 delivered in commercial diluent on 18 d of incubation (doi) on subsequent bone development and mineralization in male and female Ross × Ross 708 broilers were investigated. The variables investigated included bone mineral density and breaking strength, bone ash concentration, and calcium and phosphorus bone ash concentrations. In a single-stage incubator, with 6 treatments on each of the 10 tray levels, a total of 2,400 experimental broiler hatching eggs were evenly and randomly set. Eggs were treatment-injected and transferred to corresponding hatching baskets on 18 doi. Experimental treatment groups were those that received 0.2, 0.6, 1.8, or 5.4 µg of 25(OH)D3 that were delivered in 100 µL of commercial diluent. Noninjected and diluent-injected controls were also included. On 21 doi, chicks were pulled and placed in corresponding floor pens, and on each of d 0, 14, and 28 posthatch (poh), 2 birds of each sex from each pen were randomly selected for necropsy and extraction of both of their tibia bones. Bones from the right leg were subjected to mineral density analysis and those from the left leg were used to determine breaking strength and residual bone ash concentration. Furthermore, ash calcium and phosphorus concentrations on d 14 and 28 poh were determined. There was a treatment × sex × age interaction for bone breaking strength. Bone breaking strength in male birds on d 28 poh was higher in the 0.20, 0.60, and 1.80 µg of 25(OH)D3-injected treatment groups than in the diluent-injected control group. In conclusion, although the in ovo injection of 25(OH)D3 had no positive effect on the bone development of Ross × Ross 708 broilers through d 28 poh compared with noninjected controls, it may provide a benefit to those subjected to an injection of commercial vaccine diluent. | 25,193,259 | [
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Role of DNA/RNA sensors and contribution to autoimmunity. | Innate immune detection and subsequent immune responses rely on the initial recognition of pathogen specific molecular motifs. Foreign nucleic acids are key structures recognised by the immune system, recognition of which occurs mainly through the use of nucleic acid receptors including members of the Toll-like receptors, AIM2-like receptors, RIG-I-like receptors and intracellular DNA receptors. While the immune system is critically important in protecting the host from infection, it is of utmost importance that it is tightly regulated, in order to prevent recognition of self-nucleic acids and the subsequent development of autoimmunity. Defects in the mechanisms regulating such pathways, for example mutations in endonucleases that clear DNA, altered expression of nucleic acid sensors and defects in negative regulators of these signalling pathways involved in RNA/DNA sensing, have all been implicated in promoting the generation of autoimmune responses. This evidence, as reviewed here, suggests that novel therapeutics targeting these sensors and their downstream pathways may be of use in the treatment of patients with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and primary Sjögren's syndrome. | 25,193,293 | [
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Benefit of left atrial roof linear ablation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a prospective, randomized study. | Isolation of the pulmonary veins (PVs) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) is often supplemented with linear lesions within the left atrium (LA). However, there are conflicting data on the effects of creating a roof line (RL) joining the superior PVs in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). A cohort of 120 patients with drug-refractory PAF referred for ablation were prospectively randomized into 2 strategies: (1) PV isolation in combination with RL ablation (LA roof ablation [LARA]-1: 59 patients) or (2) PV isolation (LARA-2: 61 patients). Follow-up was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure and every 6 months thereafter. After a 3-month blanking period, recurrence was defined as the ocurrence of any atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting ≥30 seconds. PV isolation was achieved in 89% and complete RL block in 81%. RF duration, fluoroscopy, and procedural times were slightly, but not significantly, longer in the LARA-1 group. After 15±10 months, there was no difference in the arrhythmia-free survival after a single AF ablation procedure (LARA-1: 59% vs. LARA-2: 56% at 12 months; log rank P=0.77). The achievement of complete RL block did not influence the results. The incidence of LA macroreentrant tachycardias was 5.1% in the LARA-1 group (n=3) versus 8.2% in the LARA-2 (n=5) (P=ns). Univariate analysis only identified AF duration as a covariate associated with arrhythmia recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.01 [95% confidence interval, 1.002 to 1.012]; P<0.01). The linear block at the LA roof is not associated with an improved clinical outcome compared with PV isolation alone. ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01203241. | 25,193,295 | [
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Genome diversity and divergence in Drosophila mauritiana: multiple signatures of faster X evolution. | Drosophila mauritiana is an Indian Ocean island endemic species that diverged from its two sister species, Drosophila simulans and Drosophila sechellia, approximately 240,000 years ago. Multiple forms of incomplete reproductive isolation have evolved among these species, including sexual, gametic, ecological, and intrinsic postzygotic barriers, with crosses among all three species conforming to Haldane's rule: F(1) hybrid males are sterile and F(1) hybrid females are fertile. Extensive genetic resources and the fertility of hybrid females have made D. mauritiana, in particular, an important model for speciation genetics. Analyses between D. mauritiana and both of its siblings have shown that the X chromosome makes a disproportionate contribution to hybrid male sterility. But why the X plays a special role in the evolution of hybrid sterility in these, and other, species remains an unsolved problem. To complement functional genetic analyses, we have investigated the population genomics of D. mauritiana, giving special attention to differences between the X and the autosomes. We present a de novo genome assembly of D. mauritiana annotated with RNAseq data and a whole-genome analysis of polymorphism and divergence from ten individuals. Our analyses show that, relative to the autosomes, the X chromosome has reduced nucleotide diversity but elevated nucleotide divergence; an excess of recurrent adaptive evolution at its protein-coding genes; an excess of recent, strong selective sweeps; and a large excess of satellite DNA. Interestingly, one of two centimorgan-scale selective sweeps on the D. mauritiana X chromosome spans a region containing two sex-ratio meiotic drive elements and a high concentration of satellite DNA. Furthermore, genes with roles in reproduction and chromosome biology are enriched among genes that have histories of recurrent adaptive protein evolution. Together, these genome-wide analyses suggest that genetic conflict and frequent positive natural selection on the X chromosome have shaped the molecular evolutionary history of D. mauritiana, refining our understanding of the possible causes of the large X-effect in speciation. | 25,193,308 | [
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Vocalizations associated with anxiety and fear in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). | Vocalizations of common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) were examined under experimental situations related to fear or anxiety. When marmosets were isolated in an unfamiliar environment, they frequently vocalized "tsik-egg" calls, which were the combination calls of 'tsik' followed by several 'egg'. Tsik-egg calls were also observed after treatment with the anxiogenic drug FG-7142 (20mg/kg, sc). In contrast, when marmosets were exposed to predatory stimuli as fear-evoking situations, they frequently vocalized tsik solo calls as well as tsik-egg calls. These results suggest that marmosets dissociate the vocalization of tsik-egg and tsik calls under conditions related to fear/anxiety; tsik-egg solo vocalizations were emitted under anxiety-related conditions (e.g., isolation and anxiogenic drug treatment), whereas a mixed vocalization of tsik-egg and tsik was emitted when confronted with fear-provoking stimuli (i.e., threatening predatory stimuli). Tsik-egg call with/without tsik can be used as a specific vocal index of fear/anxiety in marmosets, which allows us to understand the neural mechanism of negative emotions in primate. | 25,193,318 | [
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Anatomy of the proximal femur at the time of total hip arthroplasty is a matter of morphotype and etiology but not gender. | This study aimed to determine (1) whether: gender, morphotype, or etiology are correlated with the shape of the proximal femur in patients with advanced hip osteoarthritis and (2) is there any clinical predictive factors of potential abnormal anatomy of the hip at the time of total hip arthroplasty (THA)? We reviewed 689 European hips of patients who underwent THA for primary osteoarthritis (OA) or avascular necrosis (AVN), between 2000 and 2005. The patients were stratified according to their (1) Morphotype, (2) Gender, and (3) Etiology for undergoing THA. Two independent observers measured the following four anatomical parameters on preoperative CT-scans: neck shaft angle (NSA) and femoral neck version, femoral offset and lower-limb torsion. Our results showed that both morphotype and etiology, but not gender or body mass index, were correlated with femoral anatomical parameters. Two types of patients were identified as "at risk" for abnormal hip anatomy: (1) AVN-Endomorphic patients (2) OA-Ectomorphic patients. Etiology of the advanced hip osteoarthritis and patients' morphotype may predict the proximal femur anatomy at the time of THA. | 25,193,326 | [
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Anatomical study of the musculocutaneous nerve branching pattern: application for selective neurectomy in the treatment of elbow flexors spasticity. | Spastic flexion deformity of the elbow is mainly mediated by the biceps brachii and the brachialis muscles, innervated by the musculocutaneous nerve. Selective neurectomy of the musculocutaneous nerve showed promising results to relieve excessive spasticity in the long term but lacks of a consensual surgical strategy. The aim of the study was to describe the distal branching pattern of the motor branches of the musculocutaneous nerve in an attempt to develop guidelines for surgery. Sixteen arms of fresh cadaver specimen were dissected. We recorded the site of each primary and terminal motor branch as a percentage of the distance from the coracoid process to the lateral epicondyle. The biceps muscle was innervated by one to five primary motor branches. The first branch emerged from the nerve at an average of 37.1% of the arm length, and the most distal terminal branch at 55.7%. The brachialis muscle received one to three primary branches. The first branch exited the nerve at an average of 51.7% of the arm length and the last terminal branch at 69.3%. The average number of terminal branches dedicated to the biceps and the brachialis muscles were, respectively, 7.9 and 6.5. According to our findings, we recommend to dissect the musculocutaneous nerve between 18 and 75% of the distance between the coracoid process and the lateral epicondyle to identify the motor terminal branches to the biceps brachii and the brachialis muscle, sparing sensory branches. | 25,193,328 | [
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A robust electrode configuration for bioimpedance measurement of respiration. | Electrode configuration is an important issue in the continuous measurement of respiration using impedance pneumography (IP). The robust configuration is usually confirmed by comparing the amplitude of the IP signals acquired with different electrode configurations, while the relative change in waveform and the effects of body posture and respiratory pattern are ignored. In this study, the IP signals and respiratory volume are simultaneously acquired from 8 healthy subjects in supine, left lying, right lying and prone postures, and the subjects are asked to perform four respiratory patterns including free breathing, thoracic breathing, abdominal breathing and apnea. The IP signals are acquired with four different chest electrode configurations, and the volume are measured using pneumotachograph (PNT). Differences in correlation and absolute deviation between the IP-derived and PNT-derived respiratory volume are assessed. The influences of noise, respiratory pattern and body posture on the IP signals of different configurations have significant difference (p < 0.05). The robust electrode configuration is found on the axillary midline, which is suitable for long term respiration monitoring. | 25,193,370 | [
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The role of Rdl in resistance to phenylpyrazoles in Drosophila melanogaster. | Extensive use of older generation insecticides may result in pre-existing cross-resistance to new chemical classes acting at the same target site. Phenylpyrazole insecticides block inhibitory neurotransmission in insects via their action on ligand-gated chloride channels (LGCCs). Phenylpyrazoles are broad-spectrum insecticides widely used in agriculture and domestic pest control. So far, all identified cases of target site resistance to phenylpyrazoles are based on mutations in the Rdl (Resistance to dieldrin) LGCC subunit, the major target site for cyclodiene insecticides. We examined the role that mutations in Rdl have on phenylpyrazole resistance in Drosophila melanogaster, exploring naturally occurring variation, and generating predicted resistance mutations by mutagenesis. Natural variation at the Rdl locus in inbred strains of D. melanogaster included gene duplication, and a line containing two Rdl mutations found in a highly resistant line of Drosophila simulans. These mutations had a moderate impact on survival following exposure to two phenylpyrazoles, fipronil and pyriprole. Homology modelling suggested that the Rdl chloride channel pore contains key residues for binding fipronil and pyriprole. Mutagenesis of these sites and assessment of resistance in vivo in transgenic lines showed that amino acid identity at the Ala(301) site influenced resistance levels, with glycine showing greater survival than serine replacement. We confirm that point mutations at the Rdl 301 site provide moderate resistance to phenylpyrazoles in D. melanogaster. We also emphasize the beneficial aspects of testing predicted mutations in a whole organism to validate a candidate gene approach. | 25,193,377 | [
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Structure and gene cluster of the O-antigen of Escherichia coli O68. | The O-polysaccharide (O-antigen) of Escherichia coli O68 was studied by sugar analysis, partial solvolysis with anhydrous trifluoroacetic acid, and 1D and 2D (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopies. The following structure of the branched heptasaccharide repeating unit was established: [structure: see text]. The O-antigen gene cluster of E. coli O68 was sequenced. The gene functions were tentatively assigned by comparison with sequences in the available databases and found to be in full agreement with the O-antigen structure. | 25,193,381 | [
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DWD HYPERSENSITIVE TO UV-B 1 is negatively involved in UV-B mediated cellular responses in Arabidopsis. | Among T-DNA insertion mutants of various cullin4-RING ubiquitin E3 ligase (CRL4) substrate receptors, one mutant that exhibits enhanced sensitivity in response to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) illumination has been isolated and its corresponding gene has been named DWD HYPERSENSITIVE TO UV-B 1 (DHU1) in Arabidopsis. dhu1 lines showed much shorter hypocotyls than those in wild type under low doses of UV-B. Other light did not alter hypocotyl growth patterns in dhu1, indicating the hypersensitivity of dhu1 is restricted to UV-B. DHU1 was upregulated by more than two times in response to UV-B application of 1.5 μmol m(-2) s(-1), implying its possible involvement in UV-B signaling. DHU1 is able to bind to DDB1, an adaptor of CRL4; accordingly, DHU1 is thought to act as a substrate receptor of CRL4. Microarray data generated from wild-type and dhu1 under low doses of UV-B revealed that 209 or 124 genes were upregulated or downregulated by more than two times in dhu1 relative to wild type, respectively. About 23.4 % of the total upregulated genes in dhu1 were upregulated by more than five times in response to UV-B based on the AtGenExpress Visualization Tool data, while only about 1.4 % were downregulated to the same degree by UV-B, indicating that loss of DHU1 led to the overall enhancement of the upregulation of UV-B inducible genes. dhu1 also showed altered responsiveness under high doses of UV-B. Taken together, these findings indicate that DHU1 is a potent CRL4 substrate receptor that may function as a negative regulator of UV-B response in Arabidopsis. | 25,193,399 | [
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Optimizing anticonvulsant administration for children before anesthesia: a quality improvement project. | Children with epilepsy are at increased risk of missing scheduled anticonvulsants during the home-to-hospital transition, including when being admitted for procedures requiring anesthesia. This may contribute to breakthrough seizures because of lowered anticonvulsant levels. We conducted an interdisciplinary quality improvement project with a specific aim to increase the percentage of children receiving their anticonvulsants as scheduled before procedures requiring anesthesia. The Institute for Health Care Improvement methodology was used to develop an interdisciplinary team and improve the process of ensuring administration of maintenance anticonvulsants. Successful components of the improvement project included focusing on the outcome for patients, standardization of medication administration when "nothing per os" before anesthesia and development of a contingency plan when children had not received anticonvulsants at home. The percentage of children receiving their anticonvulsants medications at home before procedures requiring anesthesia increased from 58 of 76 (76%) to 334 of 370 (90%) (P = 0.002). The number of children receiving maintenance anticonvulsant medications in the hospital before the procedure increased from 8 of 38 (21%) to 15 of 16 (91%) (P < 0.001). The use of established quality improvement methods improved the number of children receiving maintenance anticonvulsants during the home-to-hospital transition. The transition into the hospital for children with chronic illnesses includes a handoff between parents and medical staff. Future efforts to improve care during the home-to-hospital transition will require sustaining these gains and the involvement of parents. | 25,193,412 | [
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WITHDRAWN: Apply Today for the 2015 Academic Education Scholarship! | 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. | 25,193,426 | [
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Data analysis for 16S microbial profiling from different benchtop sequencing platforms. | Progress in microbial ecology is confounded by problems when evaluating results from different sequencing methodologies. Contrary to existing expectations, here we demonstrate that the same biological conclusion is reached using different NGS technologies when stringent sequence quality filtering and accurate clustering algorithms are applied. | 25,193,439 | [
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MALDI-TOF MS based identification of food-borne yeast isolates. | In this study, food-borne yeast isolates (n=96), comprising at least 33 species, were identified using MALDI-TOF MS and conventional methods (API ID 32 C and Phoenix Yeast ID). Discrepancies of both methods were resolved by sequencing the ITS1-5.8S-rRNA-ITS2 region. For ten isolates, mainly classified to Rhodotorula and Trichosporon species, no clear final species identification was possible. 62 isolates were correctly identified to species level using either MALDI-TOF MS or conventional tests. 15 isolates were misidentified when applying conventional assays. In contrary, no species misidentifications were observed after MALDI-TOF MS based classification. In return, 16 isolates were not identifiable after matching their protein fingerprints against MALDI Biotyper 4.0.0.1 library. MALDI TOF MS in-house database update clearly improved the identification. In conclusion, the presented data suggest that MALDI-TOF MS is an appropriate platform for reliable classification and identification of food-borne yeast isolates. | 25,193,440 | [
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Rethinking business continuity: Emerging trends in the profession and the manager's role. | Where is business continuity going in the future? What should continuity professionals be planning for in their programmes and in their career? This paper offers an in-depth look into both of these questions and provides the reader with eight activities for reinventing their continuity programme and career. | 25,193,456 | [
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Measuring business continuity programmes in large organisations. | In the field of business continuity management, organisations commit sums of money (often very large sums) to develop and maintain their continuity capability. Despite this, there is almost no measurement of whether this expense offers value for money, or whether it is targeted in the right areas. This paper will explain some methods of measuring components of a business continuity programme. The important outputs from this measurement activity are to demonstrate that an organisation's continuity capability is improving over time, and to identify areas of weakness that should be targeted during future work. | 25,193,458 | [
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Combination of vaccine-strain measles and mumps virus synergistically kills a wide range of human hematological cancer cells: Special focus on acute myeloid leukemia. | Through combining vaccine-derived measles and mumps viruses (MM), we efficiently targeted a wide range of hematopoietic cancer cell lines. MM synergistically killed many cell lines including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines. Further investigation suggested that enhanced oncolytic effect of MM was due to increased apoptosis induction. In an U937 xenograft AML mouse model, MM displayed greater tumor suppression and prolonged survival. Furthermore, MM efficiently killed blasts from 16 out of 20 AML patients and elicited more efficient killing effect on 11 patients when co-administered with Ara-C. Our results demonstrate that MM is a promising therapeutic candidate for hematological malignancies. | 25,193,462 | [
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Hypermethylation of the death-associated protein kinase CpG island in canine B-cell lymphoid tumors. | Death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) is a 160-kD serine/threonine kinase known as a key molecule in interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced apoptosis and tumor suppression. Hypermethylation of the CpG island in DAPK inactivates the gene in a variety of human malignancies. This study aimed to detect the inactivation of DAPK in canine lymphoid tumor cells. The sequence of canine DAPK cDNA was obtained from normal dog peripheral blood mononuclear cells after reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). By rapid amplification of 5'-cDNA ends, the transcription initiation site of the DAPK gene was identified. The CpG island located upstream of the translation initiation site was identified by using a search algorithm. The methylation status of the CpG island was examined using bisulfite sequence analysis and methylation-specific PCR (MSP). The inactivation of DAPK gene was examined in 3 canine lymphoid tumor cell lines, GL-1 (B-cell leukemia), CLBL-1 (B-cell lymphoma), and CL-1 (T-cell lymphoma). DAPK mRNA expression was measured by real-time RT-PCR. IFN-γ-induced apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. The influence of demethylation was examined with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC). The methylation status in 14 dogs with various lymphoid tumors was screened by MSP. A 1926-bp CpG island containing 280 CpG repeats was identified upstream of the translation start site of canine DAPK. Bisulfate sequence analysis and MSP revealed hypermethylation of the CpG island in GL-1 cells, but not in CLBL-1 or CL-1 cells. The amount of DAPK mRNA was significantly smaller in GL-1 cells than CLBL-1 and CL-1 cells. IFN-γ-induced apoptosis was detected in CLBL-1 and CL-1 cells but not in GL-1 cells. Treatment with 5-aza-dC significantly increased the amount of DAPK mRNA and IFN-γ-induced apoptosis in GL-1 cells. These results revealed the inactivation of DAPK through methylation of its CpG island in GL-1 cells. MSP showed hypermethylation of the DAPK CpG island in 5 of 8 primary B-cell lymphoma samples, but not in any of the 6 primary T-cell lymphoid tumor samples obtained from canine patients. DAPK was inactivated through hypermethylation of its CpG island in canine B-cell lymphoid tumor cells. This study will lead to the use of canine B-cell lymphoid tumors as an animal model to evaluate the efficacy of demethylating agents. | 25,193,469 | [
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Is suprascapular neuropathy common in high-performance beach volleyball players? A retrospective analysis. | Pain in the shoulder is a common problem in overhead sports and at times goes along with atrophy of the supra- and infraspinatus muscles. A neuropathy of the suprascapular nerve is one possible reason. The aim of the study was to examine the suprascapular nerve in Austrian high-performance beach volleyball players. In this cross-sectional study, 18 high-performance beach volleyball players were included. An electrophysiological examination was performed consecutively. Nerve conduction studies of the suprascapular nerve were performed bilaterally. Needle electromyography was done for the infraspinatus muscle of the dominant arm. Additionally, pain and muscle atrophy were evaluated. No acute or chronic neurogenic changes in the infraspinatus muscle were seen in any player, although atrophy of the suprascapularis innervated muscles was present in five players. A lesion of the suprascapular nerve could not be shown in any of the players. Therefore, a biomechanical cause has to be considered for the clinical symptoms in the present study population. | 25,193,481 | [
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Prevalence and predictors of personality change after severe brain injury. | To investigate the prevalence of personality change after severe brain injury; to identify predictors of personality change; and to investigate whether personality change is associated with distress in family members. A longitudinal study of personality change. Rehabilitation unit. The study sample was composed of 22 pairs of patients with traumatic brain injury or nontraumatic brain injury (N=22) and their significant others (SOs). Not applicable. An SO completed the observer version of the NEO Five Factor Inventory rating the patient at discharge from hospital and 1 year after injury. The SOs were also asked to complete the anxiety and depression scales of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, rating their own emotional condition and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as assessed by the 4 mental scales of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Of the sample, 59.1% experienced personality change after acquired brain injury, and the most dominant changes were observed in the personality traits of neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness. Changes in neuroticism were most often observed in patients with frontal or temporal lesions. Generally, personality changes in patients were not associated with more distress and lower HRQOL in family members; however, change in patient agreeableness was associated with lower HRQOL on the role limitations-emotional scale. Personality change was observed in most patients with severe brain injury. Change in neuroticism was associated with frontal and temporal lesions. Generally, personality change was not associated with more distress and lower HRQOL in SOs. | 25,193,491 | [
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Genome sequencing and analysis of Mangalica, a fatty local pig of Hungary. | Mangalicas are fatty type local/rare pig breeds with an increasing presence in the niche pork market in Hungary and in other countries. To explore their genetic resources, we have analysed data from next-generation sequencing of an individual male from each of three Mangalica breeds along with a local male Duroc pig. Structural variations, such as SNPs, INDELs and CNVs, were identified and particular genes with SNP variations were analysed with special emphasis on functions related to fat metabolism in pigs. More than 60 Gb of sequence data were generated for each of the sequenced individuals, resulting in 11× to 19× autosomal median coverage. After stringent filtering, around six million SNPs, of which approximately 10% are novel compared to the dbSNP138 database, were identified in each animal. Several hundred thousands of INDELs and about 1,000 CNV gains were also identified. The functional annotation of genes with exonic, non-synonymous SNPs, which are common in all three Mangalicas but are absent in either the reference genome or the sequenced Duroc of this study, highlighted 52 genes in lipid metabolism processes. Further analysis revealed that 41 of these genes are associated with lipid metabolic or regulatory pathways, 49 are in fat-metabolism and fatness-phenotype QTLs and, with the exception of ACACA, ANKRD23, GM2A, KIT, MOGAT2, MTTP, FASN, SGMS1, SLC27A6 and RETSAT, have not previously been associated with fat-related phenotypes. Genome analysis of Mangalica breeds revealed that local/rare breeds could be a rich source of sequence variations not present in cosmopolitan/industrial breeds. The identified Mangalica variations may, therefore, be a very useful resource for future studies of agronomically important traits in pigs. | 25,193,519 | [
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New insulin glargine 300 units/mL versus glargine 100 units/mL in people with type 2 diabetes using oral agents and basal insulin: glucose control and hypoglycemia in a 6-month randomized controlled trial (EDITION 2). | To compare the efficacy and safety of new insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla-300) with glargine 100 units/mL (Gla-100) in people with type 2 diabetes using basal insulin (≥42 units/day) plus oral antihyperglycemic drugs (OADs). EDITION 2 was a multicenter, open-label, two-arm study. Adults receiving basal insulin plus OADs were randomized to Gla-300 or Gla-100 once daily for 6 months. The primary end point was change in HbA1c. The main secondary end point was percentage of participants with one or more nocturnal confirmed (≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycemic events from week 9 to month 6. Randomized participants (n = 811) had a mean (SD) HbA₁c of 8.24% (0.82) and BMI of 34.8 kg/m(2) (6.4). Glycemic control improved similarly with both basal insulins; least squares mean (SD) reduction from baseline was -0.57% (0.09) for Gla-300 and -0.56% (0.09) for Gla-100 (mean difference -0.01% [95% CI -0.14 to 0.12]), with 10% higher dose of Gla-300. Less nocturnal confirmed (≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycemia was observed with Gla-300 from week 9 to month 6 (relative risk 0.77 [95% CI 0.61-0.99]; P = 0.038) and during the first 8 weeks. Fewer nocturnal and any time (24 h) hypoglycemic events were reported during the entire 6-month period. Weight gain was lower with Gla-300 than with Gla-100 (P = 0.015). No between-treatment differences in safety parameters were identified. Gla-300 was as effective as Gla-100 and associated with a lower risk of hypoglycemia during the night and at any time of the day. | 25,193,531 | [
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Application of a pitch perception model to investigate the effect of stimulation field spread on the pitch ranking abilities of cochlear implant recipients. | Although many cochlear implant (CI) recipients perceive speech very well in favorable conditions, they still have difficulty with music, speech in noisy environments, and tonal languages. Studies show that CI users' performance in these tasks are correlated with their ability to perceive pitch. The spread of stimulation field from the electrodes to the auditory nerve is one of the factors affecting performance. This study proposes a model of auditory perception to predict the performance of CI users in pitch ranking tasks using an existing sound processing scheme. The model is then used as a platform to investigate the effect of stimulation field spread on performance. | 25,193,552 | [
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Key roles of the Escherichia coli AhpC C-terminus in assembly and catalysis of alkylhydroperoxide reductase, an enzyme essential for the alleviation of oxidative stress. | 2-Cys peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are a large family of peroxidases, responsible for antioxidant function and regulation in cell signaling, apoptosis and differentiation. The Escherichia coli alkylhydroperoxide reductase (AhpR) is a prototype of the Prxs-family, and is composed of an NADH-dependent AhpF reductase (57 kDa) and AhpC (21 kDa), catalyzing the reduction of H2O2. We show that the E. coli AhpC (EcAhpC, 187 residues) forms a decameric ring structure under reduced and close to physiological conditions, composed of five catalytic dimers. Single particle analysis of cryo-electron micrographs of C-terminal truncated (EcAhpC1 -172 and EcAhpC1 -182) and mutated forms of EcAhpC reveals the loss of decamer formation, indicating the importance of the very C-terminus of AhpC in dimer to decamer transition. The crystallographic structures of the truncated EcAhpC1 -172 and EcAhpC1 -182 demonstrate for the first time that, in contrast to the reduced form, the very C-terminus of the oxidized EcAhpC is oriented away from the AhpC dimer interface and away from the catalytic redox-center, reflecting structural rearrangements during redox-modulation and -oligomerization. Furthermore, using an ensemble of different truncated and mutated EcAhpC protein constructs the importance of the very C-terminus in AhpC activity and in AhpC-AhpF assembly has been demonstrated. | 25,193,562 | [
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Evaluation of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy with greyscale ultrasound and colour Doppler: using a four-grade scale. | In tendon research, using ultrasound (US), studies often refer to tendon thickness, structural abnormalities and neovascularisation. The reliability concerning these measurements and evaluations is seldom reported. The aim of this study was to assess the intra- and inter-observer reliability for quantitative measures (thickness) and qualitative evaluations (structure and neovascularisation) of symptomatic and asymptomatic Achilles and patellar tendons with US and colour Doppler using a modified Öhberg score. Twenty-eight consecutive patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic Achilles (n = 27) and patellar tendons (n = 26) were included. Tendon anteroposterior thickness was measured. Tendon structure and neovascularisation were evaluated using a modified Öhberg score. US-images were evaluated twice by four independent observers. Mean thickness for Achilles and patellar tendons was 8.4 mm (±2.0) and 5.5 mm (±1.7), respectively. The reliability for measures of distance was high all over (ICC = 0.963-0.999). A moderate-strong correlation was found between observers concerning evaluation of neovascularisation (r = 0.767-0.992) and poor-moderate correlation concerning evaluation of structural changes (r = 0.379-0.837). Intra-observer reliability was moderate strong for evaluations of both tendon structure (k = 0.537-0.873) and neovascularisation (k = 0.639-0.864). With a strict method for how to measure tendon thickness and set criteria for evaluating structural changes and amount and distribution of neovascularisation, US and colour Doppler is a reliable method for evaluating Achilles and patellar tendons. The modified, 4-graded, Öhberg score was found to be a reproducible instrument for assessment of tendon structure and neovascularisation. | 25,193,569 | [
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A clinic-based breastfeeding peer counselor intervention in an urban, low-income population: interaction with breastfeeding attitude. | Whereas breastfeeding initiation rates have risen in all groups throughout the country, rates of breastfeeding duration have changed more slowly. Peer counseling has had some success in sustaining breastfeeding, but with intensive programs and variable effects. We aimed to improve rates of any and exclusive breastfeeding at 1 and 6 months using a low-intensity peer counseling intervention beginning prenatally. We also planned to study the interaction of breastfeeding attitude and self-efficacy with the intervention. One hundred twenty prenatal women underwent stratified randomization based on breastfeeding attitude, measured by the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS). The peer counselor contacted the intervention group by telephone or in clinic up to 4 months postdelivery. Study groups were compared on breastfeeding outcomes, adjusting for IIFAS strata, and on interactions with self-efficacy. One hundred three women were followed to at least 1 month. Women with positive attitudes had significantly higher rates of initiation (93% vs 61%) and breastfeeding at 1 and 6 months (79% vs 25% and 12% vs 0%, respectively) than those with negative attitudes, regardless of intervention. After adjusting for self-efficacy, women who received peer counseling had significantly higher breastfeeding rates at 1 month (odds ratio = 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-9.8). The intervention group was marginally more likely to achieve their breastfeeding goal (43% vs 22%, P = .073). Breastfeeding rates in all women improved during the study period. Breastfeeding attitude was more strongly associated with breastfeeding behavior than peer support. Peer counseling supported women with low self-efficacy and helped women achieve their breastfeeding goals. | 25,193,602 | [
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Spatial distribution characteristics of volatile halogenated hydrocarbons in unsaturated zone of Xiaodian sewage irrigation area, Taiyuan, China. | Sewage irrigation is one of the best options to reduce the stress on limited fresh water and to meet the nutrient requirement of crops. Environment pollution caused by volatile halogenated hydrocarbons (VHCs) associated with sewage irrigation has received increasing attention due to the toxicological importance in ecosystem. The aim of this study was to discuss the spatial distribution characteristics of VHCs in unsaturated zone under sewage irrigation and their migration in the environment. Soil samples were collected from XiaoDian district of TaiYuan city and measured for the major VHCs including of chloroform (CHCl3), tetrachloromethane (CCl4), trichloroethylene (C(2)HCl(3)), tetrachloroethylene(C(2)Cl(4)), pentachlorobenzene (C(6)HCl(5)), hexachlorobenzene (C(6)Cl(6)). Results showed that VHCs were accumulated in the unsaturated zone with long-term sewage irrigation. The contents of VHCs in the unsaturated zone of the study area were 34, 2, 3, 1.5, 8.3, 4.8 times higher than the background value respectively. Soils with long-term irrigation of sewage showed higher contents of VHCs than that with short-term irrigation of sewage. Not only the irrigation time, soil physical properties (e.g. soil texture) also played an important role on VHCs accumulation in soil. | 25,193,606 | [
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Ataluren: first global approval. | Nonsense mutations are implicated in 5-70 % of individual cases of most inherited diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and cystic fibrosis. Ataluren (Translarna™) is an orally available, small molecule compound that targets nonsense mutations, and is the first drug in its class. Ataluren appears to allow cellular machinery to read through premature stop codons in mRNA, enabling the translation process to produce full-length, functional proteins. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of ataluren leading to its conditional first approval for nonsense mutation DMD. | 25,193,627 | [
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Multiple effects of digoxin on subsets of cancer-associated genes through the alternative splicing pathway. | The signaling characteristics of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase are distinct from its ion pumping activity. Cardiac glycosides modulate the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase protein complex upon binding, activate downstream signaling pathways and increase [Ca(2+)]i. Recent studies demonstrate that the depletion of p53 and hypoxia-induced factor 1α proteins is caused by cardiac glycosides. However, the detailed mechanisms governing this process are not well known. In this study, we showed that the depletion of p53 proteins by digoxin involved not only inhibition of protein synthesis but also inhibition at the post-transcriptional level. Post-transcriptional regulation occurs via down-regulation of SRSF3, the primary splicing factor responsible for the switch from p53α to the p53β isoform. Digoxin also modulated G2/M arrest, DNA damage and apoptosis through the p53-dependent pathway in HeLa cells. In addition, digoxin was involved in epithelial-mesenchymal-transition progression via E-cadherin reduction and snail induction. Digoxin had similar effects to caffeine, another SRSF3-reduced agent, on the cell cycle profile and DNA damage of cells. Interestingly, combined digoxin and caffeine treatment blocked cell cycle progression and conferred resistance to cell death via snail induction. These findings demonstrate that down-regulation of splicing factor, such as SRSF3, to alter cell cycle progression, cell death and invasion is a potential target for the drug repositioning of cardiac glycosides. | 25,193,633 | [
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Aberrant assembly complexes of the reaction center light-harvesting 1 PufX (RC-LH1-PufX) core complex of Rhodobacter sphaeroides imaged by atomic force microscopy. | In the purple phototrophic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides, many protein complexes congregate within the membrane to form operational photosynthetic units consisting of arrays of light-harvesting LH2 complexes and monomeric and dimeric reaction center (RC)-light-harvesting 1 (LH1)-PufX "core" complexes. Each half of a dimer complex consists of a RC surrounded by 14 LH1 αβ subunits, with two bacteriochlorophylls (Bchls) sandwiched between each αβ pair of transmembrane helices. We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to investigate the assembly of single molecules of the RC-LH1-PufX complex using membranes prepared from LH2-minus mutants. When the RC and PufX components were also absent, AFM revealed a series of LH1 variants where the repeating α(1)β(1)(Bchl)2 units had formed rings of variable size, ellipses, and spirals and also arcs that could be assembly products. The spiral complexes occur when the LH1 ring has failed to close, and short arcs are suggestive of prematurely terminated LH1 complex assembly. In the absence of RCs, we occasionally observed captive proteins enclosed by the LH1 ring. When production of LH1 units was restricted by lowering the relative levels of the cognate pufBA transcript, we imaged a mixture of complete RC-LH1 core complexes, empty LH1 rings, and isolated RCs, leading us to conclude that once a RC associates with the first α1β1(Bchl)2 subunit, cooperative associations between subsequent subunits and the RC tend to drive LH1 ring assembly to completion. | 25,193,660 | [
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Enhanced in vivo efficacy of a type I interferon superagonist with extended plasma half-life in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. | IFNβ is a common therapeutic option to treat multiple sclerosis. It is unique among the family of type I IFNs in that it binds to the interferon receptors with high affinity, conferring exceptional biological properties. We have previously reported the generation of an interferon superagonist (dubbed YNSα8) that is built on the backbone of a low affinity IFNα but modified to exhibit higher receptor affinity than even for IFNβ. Here, YNSα8 was fused with a 600-residue hydrophilic, unstructured N-terminal polypeptide chain comprising proline, alanine, and serine (PAS) to prolong its plasma half-life via "PASylation." PAS-YNSα8 exhibited a 10-fold increased half-life in both pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic assays in a transgenic mouse model harboring the human receptors, notably without any detectable loss in biological potency or bioavailability. This long-lived superagonist conferred significantly improved protection from MOG35-55-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis compared with IFNβ, despite being injected with a 4-fold less frequency and at an overall 16-fold lower dosage. These data were corroborated by FACS measurements showing a decrease of CD11b(+)/CD45(hi) myeloid lineage cells detectable in the CNS, as well as a decrease in IBA(+) cells in spinal cord sections determined by immunohistochemistry for PAS-YNSα8-treated animals. Importantly, PAS-YNSα8 did not induce antibodies upon repeated administration, and its biological efficacy remained unchanged after 21 days of treatment. A striking correlation between increased levels of CD274 (PD-L1) transcripts from spleen-derived CD4(+) cells and improved clinical response to autoimmune encephalomyelitis was observed, indicating that, at least in this mouse model of multiple sclerosis, CD274 may serve as a biomarker to predict the effectiveness of IFN therapy to treat this complex disease. | 25,193,661 | [
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Carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-3 (CORM-3; Ru(CO)3Cl(glycinate)) as a tool to study the concerted effects of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide on bacterial flavohemoglobin Hmp: applications and pitfalls. | CO and NO are small toxic gaseous molecules that play pivotal roles in biology as gasotransmitters. During bacterial infection, NO, produced by the host via the inducible NO synthase, exerts critical antibacterial effects while CO, generated by heme oxygenases, enhances phagocytosis of macrophages. In Escherichia coli, other bacteria and fungi, the flavohemoglobin Hmp is the most important detoxification mechanism converting NO and O2 to the ion nitrate (NO3(-)). The protoheme of Hmp binds not only O2 and NO, but also CO so that this ligand is expected to be an inhibitor of NO detoxification in vivo and in vitro. CORM-3 (Ru(CO)(3)Cl(glycinate)) is a metal carbonyl compound extensively used and recently shown to have potent antibacterial properties. In this study, attenuation of the NO resistance of E. coli by CORM-3 is demonstrated in vivo. However, polarographic measurements showed that CO gas, but not CORM-3, produced inhibition of the NO detoxification activity of Hmp in vitro. Nevertheless, CO release from CORM-3 in the presence of soluble cellular compounds is demonstrated by formation of carboxy-Hmp. We show that the inability of CORM-3 to inhibit the activity of purified Hmp is due to slow release of CO in protein solutions alone i.e. when sodium dithionite, widely used in previous studies of CO release from CORM-3, is excluded. Finally, we measure intracellular CO released from CORM-3 by following the formation of carboxy-Hmp in respiring cells. CORM-3 is a tool to explore the concerted effects of CO and NO in vivo. | 25,193,663 | [
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Subject-specific patterns of femur-labrum contact are complex and vary in asymptomatic hips and hips with femoroacetabular impingement. | Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) may constrain hip articulation and cause chondrolabral damage, but to our knowledge, in vivo articulation and femur-labrum contact patterns have not been quantified. In this exploratory study, we describe the use of high-speed dual-fluoroscopy and model-based tracking to dynamically measure in vivo hip articulation and estimate the location of femur-labrum contact in six asymptomatic hips and three hips with FAI during the impingement examination. We asked: (1) Does femur-labrum contact occur at the terminal position of impingement? (2) Could range of motion (ROM) during the impingement examination appear decreased in hips with FAI? (3) Does the location of femur-labrum contact coincide with that of minimum bone-to-bone distance? (4) In the patients with FAI, does the location of femur-labrum contact qualitatively correspond to the location of damage observed intraoperatively? High-speed dual-fluoroscopy images were acquired continuously as the impingement examination was performed. CT arthrogram images of all subjects were segmented to generate three-dimensional (3-D) surfaces for the pelvis, femur, and labrum. Model-based tracking of the fluoroscopy images enabled dynamic kinematic observation of the 3-D surfaces. At the terminal position of the examination, the region of minimal bone-to-bone distance was compared with the estimated location of femur-labrum contact. Each patient with FAI underwent hip arthroscopy; the location of femur-labrum contact was compared qualitatively with damage found during surgery. As an exploratory study, statistics were not performed. Femur-labrum contact was observed in both groups, but patterns of contact were subject-specific. At the terminal position of the impingement examination, internal rotation and adduction angles for each of the patients with FAI were less than the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the asymptomatic control subjects. The location of minimum bone-to-bone distance agreed with the region of femur-labrum contact in two of nine hips. The locations of chondrolabral damage identified during surgery qualitatively coincided with the region of femur-labrum contact. Dual-fluoroscopy and model-based tracking provided the ability to assess hip kinematics in vivo during the entire impingement examination. The high variability in observed labrum-femur contact patterns at the terminal position of the examination provides evidence that subtle anatomic features could dictate underlying hip biomechanics. Although femur-labrum contact occurs in asymptomatic and symptomatic hips at the terminal position of the impingement examination, contact may occur at reduced adduction and internal rotation in patients with FAI. Use of minimum bone-to-bone distance may not appropriately identify the region of femur-labrum contact. Additional research, using a larger cohort and appropriate statistical tests, is required to confirm the findings of this exploratory study. | 25,193,693 | [
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Widespread genome transcription: new possibilities for RNA therapies. | Comprehensive analysis of mammalian transcriptomes has surprisingly revealed that a major fraction of the RNAs produced by mammalian cells and tissues is comprised of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Such RNAs were previously disregarded as useless, but recent functional studies have revealed that they have multiple regulatory functions. A large subset of these lncRNAs are antisense to protein-coding genes; such RNAs are particularly attractive to researchers because their functions are better understood than other lncRNAs and their action can be easily modulated and engineered by modifying the antisense region. We discuss various aspects of regulation by antisense RNAs and other small nucleic acids and the challenges to bring these technologies to gene therapy. Despite several remaining issues related to delivery, RNA stability, side effects, and toxicity, the field is moving quickly towards future biotechnological and health applications. Therapies based on lncRNAs may be the key to increased cell-specificity of future gene therapies. | 25,193,698 | [
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Complete genome sequence of Corynebacterium casei LMG S-19264T (=DSM 44701T), isolated from a smear-ripened cheese. | We report the complete genome sequence of Corynebacterium casei LMG S-19264(T) (=DSM 44701(T)) which was isolated from the surface of an Irish farmhouse smear-ripened cheese. The genome of C. casei LMG S-19264(T) consists of three replicons: the chromosome (3,113,488 bp, 55.69% G+C content), the plasmid pCASE1 (2461 bp, 56.77% G+C content) and the plasmid pCASE2 (16,264 bp, 55.08% G+C content), encoding a total of 2908 protein coding genes. Analysis of the sequence data revealed a large region of ∼ 98 kb with an average G+C content of ∼ 65% that was acquired by horizontal gene transfer. | 25,193,709 | [
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Statins for the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Coronary Angiography/Percutaneous Interventions: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. | Statins have been demonstrated to prevent the development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Nevertheless, clinical research has indicated conflicting results. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the protective effects of statins on CIN and the requirement of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients undergoing coronary angiography/percutaneous interventions. PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Central RCTs were searched for RCTs from inception to February 2014 to compare statins with placebo treatment for preventing CIN in patients undergoing coronary angiography/percutaneous interventions. Nine RCTs were identified and analyzed in a total of 5143 patients involving 2560 patients with statin pretreatment and 2583 patients as control. Patients who received statin therapy had a 53% lower risk of CIN with different definitions (within 48 or 72 hours) compared to the control group based on a fixed effect model (risk ratio = 0.47, 95% confidence interval = 0.37-0.60, P < .0001) and were less likely to require RRT based on Peto fixed effect. Subgroup analysis showed that statin pretreatment could decrease the incidence of CIN in patients with preexisting renal dysfunction or diabetes mellitus. In addition, patients on rosuvastatin had a similar reduced incidence of CIN compared to patients on atorvastatin. This updated meta-analysis demonstrated that preprocedural statin treatment could reduce the risk of CIN and the need for RRT in patients undergoing coronary angiography/percutaneous interventions. Moreover, statin therapy would be helpful in reducing the incidence of CIN in high-risk patients with preexisting renal dysfunction or diabetes mellitus. Additionally, rosuvastatin and atorvastatin had similar efficacies in preventing CIN development. | 25,193,735 | [
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Swimming and other sporting activities and the rate of falls in older men: longitudinal findings from the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project. | Balance training is the most efficacious exercise to prevent falls. This study examined the associations between common sporting activities and the incidence of falls, and whether lower risks can be attributed to the superior balance of sports participants. We studied a population-based cohort of 1,667 older Australian men (mean age = 76.8 years) in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP) between 2005 and 2011. Data on incident falls were captured by 12 triannual telephone call cycles per participant and were analyzed using negative binomial regression. The length of follow-up averaged 43.8 months (median, 48 months), during which time 2,662 falls were recorded. In unadjusted models, golfers (n = 160; incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47, 0.89) and swimmers (n = 88; IRR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.71) had significantly lower risks of falling. After adjustment for leisure-time physical activity, walking, lifestyle physical activity score (e.g., chores, gardening), and conventional risk factors for falling, swimming was the only activity that was associated with a protective effect (IRR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45, 1.00). Swimmers had significantly lower postural sway (β = -5.23 cm(2), P < 0.05) and shorter time to complete a narrow walk test than men who took part in only lifestyle physical activities. Balance indicators were strong predictors of the incidence of falls. The IRR for swimmers was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.48, 1.06) after adding balance measures to the adjusted model. | 25,193,746 | [
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Ten years of snakebites in Iran. | Many species of venomous snakes are found in Iran. The most medically important species which are responsible for the most snakebite incidents in Iran belong to the Viperidae family, including Vipera lebetina, Echis carinatus, Pseudocerastes persicus, Vipera albicornuta and the Elapidae family, especially Naja naja oxiana. At least one kind of venomous snake is found in each of the 31 provinces, and many provinces have more than one venomous species. As a result, snakebite is a considerable health hazard in Iran, especially in the rural area of south and south-west of Iran. A retrospective, descriptive study of snakebite in Iran during 2002-2011 was carried out in order based on data collected from medical records of bite victims admitted to hospitals and health centers. From 2002 to 2011, 53,787 cases of snake bites were reported by medical centers in Iran. The annual incidence of snake bites in 100,000 of population varied from 4.5 to 9.1 during this decade and the number of recorded deaths were about 67 cases. The highest rate of snakebite was found in provinces of south and southwest of Iran. We suggest that people, especially in the rural areas, need to be trained and educated about venomous snakes, their hazards, prevention of bite and the importance of early hospital referral and treatment of victims. Also adequate antivenins as the main life saving medicine should be made available based on the recorded numbers of victims in each area of the country. | 25,193,748 | [
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Effect of immersion time of restorative glass ionomer cements and immersion duration in calcium chloride solution on surface hardness. | The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of immersion time of restorative glass ionomer cements (GICs) and immersion duration in calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution on the surface hardness. Two high-viscosity GICs, Fuji IX GP and GlasIonomer FX-II, were selected. Forty-eight specimens were randomly divided into two groups. Sixty minutes after being mixed, half of them were immersed in a 42.7wt% CaCl2 solution for 10, 30, or 60min (Group 1); the remaining specimens were immersed after an additional 1-week of storage (Group 2). The surface hardness of the specimens was measured and analyzed with two-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (α=0.05). The surface compositions were examined using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface hardness of Group 1 significantly increased as the immersion duration in CaCl2 increased; that of Group 2 significantly increased only after 60-minute CaCl2 immersion. After CaCl2 immersion, the amounts of Ca increased as the immersion duration increased. The surface hardness after CaCl2 immersion significantly correlated with the amount of Ca in Group 1, but not in Group 2. The binding energy of the Ca2p peak was similar to that of calcium polyalkenoate. These findings indicated that the Ca ions from the CaCl2 solution created chemical bonds with the carboxylic acid groups in the cement matrix. Immersion of GICs in CaCl2 solution at the early stage of setting was considered to enhance the formation of the polyacid salt matrix; as a result, the surface hardness increased. | 25,193,782 | [
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Effects of short-term exposure to the model anti-androgen, flutamide on reproductive function based endpoints in female Murray rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis). | The aim of the present study was to evaluate the responses of female Murray rainbowfish (Melanotaenia fluviatilis) to the model anti-androgen, flutamide in a short-term exposure. Adult female Murray rainbowfish were exposed to nominal (measured) concentrations of 125 (104), 250 (163), 500 (378) and 1000 (769) µg/L of flutamide for seven days in a semi-static set-up. Plasma vitellogenin (VTG), 11-keto testosterone (11-KT) and 17β-estradiol (E2) concentrations, brain aromatase activity and ovarian histology were assessed following the exposure. No treatment-related mortality was found in rainbowfish and there was no effect of flutamide on the developmental stage of the ovaries. Histological investigation revealed absence of mature oocytes in flutamide-treated fish. In addition, a significant reduction in the sizes of the vitellogenic oocytes was found after treatment with 500 and 1000 µg/L flutamide. The circulating levels of VTG and the activity of aromatase in the brain were also significantly reduced in fish treated with 500 and 1000 µg/L flutamide. Treatment with higher concentrations of flutamide reduced the levels of 11-KT and E2 in plasma. The results from this study demonstrate that a short-term exposure to the model anti-androgen, flutamide can adversely affect the reproductive function based on end-points such as plasma VTG, 11-KT and E2; brain aromatase activity and sizes of the oocytes in female Murray rainbowfish. Further, a positive correlation between these experimental variables suggests hormonal imbalance. | 25,193,785 | [
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The support needs of high-risk antenatal patients in prolonged hospitalisation. | to identify and describe the support needs of high-risk antenatal patients hospitalised for more than five days. a qualitative, explorative and descriptive design. In-depth interviews were conducted with pregnant women during their stay in hospital until data saturation was reached. an antenatal unit in a private hospital in Gauteng Province, South Africa. 11 antepartum women who had been hospitalised for five days or more and were of any gestation period. three main themes emerged: (a) a need for social support; (b) improvement of the environment; and (c) assistance with emotional adaptation and acceptance of prolonged hospitalisation. prolonged hospitalisation of high-risk antenatal patients disrupts the usual adaptation to pregnancy. These patients develop specific needs during hospitalisation. Findings suggest that the length of hospitalisation influences the specific support needs of antenatal patients. this study identified a link between social and environmental support, emotional adaptation, acceptance of hospitalisation of high-risk antenatal patients and improvement of their health status. Through reflection on these themes, recommendations can be made and strategies implemented to meet the support needs of high-risk antenatal patients. | 25,193,792 | [
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Using formative research to develop a counselor training program for newborn screening in Ghana. | Sickle cell disease (SCD), sickle cell trait (SCT) and related conditions are highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the public health implications, there is limited understanding of the unique needs regarding establishing and implementing extensive screening for newborns and appropriate family counseling. We sought to gain understanding of community attitudes and beliefs about SCD/SCT from counselors and potential counselors in Ghana; obtain their input about goals for counseling following newborn screening; and obtain guidance about developing effective counselor education. Five focus groups with 32 health care providers and health educators from 9 of 10 regions in Ghana were conducted by trained facilitators according to a structured protocol. Qualitative data were coded and categorized to reflect common themes. Saturation was achieved in themes related to genetics/inheritance; common complications of SCD; potential for stigmatization; marital strain; and emotional stress. Misconceptions about SCT as a form of SCD were prevalent as were cultural and spiritual beliefs about the causes of SCD/SCT. Potential positive aspects included affected children's academic achievement as compensation for physical limitations, and family cohesion. This data informed recommendations for content and structure of a counselor training program that was provided to the Ministry of Health in Ghana. | 25,193,810 | [
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Complete axial torsion of pregnant uterus with leiomyoma. | Uterine torsion is defined as a rotation of the uterus of more than 45° along its long axis. It is a rare complication during pregnancy; a common cause of torsion can be uterine myoma. Here we describe the case of a 27-year-old G2P1+0 woman at 15 weeks 3 day pregnancy, who presented to our outpatient department as a case of acute abdomen, in a state of shock. Clinical findings did not correlate with investigation. On lapratomy she was diagnosed as a case of complete axial torsion of pregnant uterus with fundal myoma with massive abruption. Early diagnosis and timely intervention would help in improving both maternal and fetal outcome. | 25,193,815 | [
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Seasonal dynamics of water bloom-forming Microcystis morphospecies and the associated extracellular microcystin concentrations in large, shallow, eutrophic Dianchi Lake. | The increasing occurrence of Microcystis blooms is of great concern to public health and ecosystem due to the potential hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs) produced by these colonial cyanobacteria. In order to interpret the relationships between variations of Microcystis morphospecies and extracellular MC concentrations, the seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton community composition, MC concentrations, and environmental parameters were monitored monthly from August, 2009 to July, 2010. The results indicated that Microcystis dominated total phytoplankton abundance from May to December (96%-99% of total biovolume), with toxic Microcystis viridis and non-toxic Microcystis wesenbergii dominating after July (constituting 65%-95% of the Microcystis population), followed by M. viridis as the sole dominant species from November to January (49%-93%). Correlation analysis revealed that water temperature and nutrient were the most important variables accounting for the occurrence of M. wesenbergii, while the dominance of M. viridis was related with nitrite and nitrate. The relatively low content of MCs was explained by the association with a large proportion of M. viridis and M. wesenbergii, small colony size of Microcystis populations, and low water temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen. The extracellular MC (mean of 0.5±0.2μg/L) of water samples analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demonstrated the low concentrations of MC in Dianchi Lake which implied the low potential risk for human health in the basin. The survey provides the first whole lake study of the occurrence and seasonal variability of Microcystis population and extracellular MCs that are of particular interest for water quality monitoring and management. | 25,193,843 | [
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Enhancement of the immune response and protection against Vibrio parahaemolyticus by indigenous probiotic Bacillus strains in mud crab (Scylla paramamosain). | In a previous study, bacterial communities of the intestine in three populations of crabs (wild crabs, pond-raised healthy crabs and diseased crabs) were probed by culture-independent methods. In this study, we examined the intestinal communities of the crabs by bacterial cultivation with a variety of media. A total of 135 bacterial strains were isolated from three populations of mud crabs. The strains were screened for antagonistic activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus using an agar spot assay. Antagonistic strains were then identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Three strains (Bacillus subtilis DCU, Bacillus pumilus BP, Bacillus cereus HL7) with the strongest antagonistic activity were further evaluated for their probiotic characteristics. The results showed that two (BP and DCU) of them were able to survive low pH and high bile concentrations, showed good adherence characteristics and a broad spectrum of antibiotic resistance. The probiotic effects were then tested by feeding juvenile mud crabs (Scylla paramamosain) with foods supplemented with 10(5) CFU/g of BP or DCU for 30 days before being subjected to an immersion challenge with V. parahaemolyticus for 48 h. The treated crabs showed significantly higher expression levels of immune related genes (CAT, proPO and SOD) and activities of respiratory burst than that in controlled groups. Crabs treated with BP and DCU supplemented diets exhibited survival rates of 76.67% and 78.33%, respectively, whereas survival rate was 54.88% in crabs not treated with the probiotics. The data showed that indigenous mud-associated microbiota, such as DCU and BP, have potential application in controlling pathogenic Vibriosis in mud crab aquaculture. | 25,193,866 | [
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Decreasing intra-dialytic morbid events and assessment of dry weight in children on chronic hemodialysis using non-invasive changes in hematocrit. | Achieving dry weight after hemodialysis (HD) is critical as chronic fluid over-load can result in left ventricular hypertrophy, while small fluid shifts may result in intra-dialytic morbid events (IME). In the pediatric population, estimating dry weight can be difficult due to growth while on dialysis. Continuous non-invasive monitoring of the hematocrit (NIVM) has been proposed as a more accurate method of estimating dry weight. Fifteen pediatric patients on chronic HD (6 males and 9 females; mean age 11.4 ± 2.28 years) were included in an uncontrolled prospective study involving three phases. In phase 1, patients were observed for one month for their dry weight and frequency of IME. Phase 2 consisted of using NIVM-guided ultrafiltration algorithm for rate of blood volume (BV) reduction and post-dialysis refill, recommending an intra-dialytic reduction in BV of 8% in the first hour and <4% per hour thereafter and without significant post-dialytic vascular refill. Phase 3 comprised a one month period for comparing the results. IME decreased from 33 episodes per 180 sessions in phase 1 to 4 per 180 sessions during phase 3 (P = 0.04), without a significant difference in pre-systolic or post-systolic or mean BP before and after the intervention (all P >0.1). In phase 1, 40% of patients experienced no IME, 33% experienced one or two IME while 27% experienced more than two IME; during phase 3, 80% experienced no IME, 20% experienced one or two IME while no one experienced more than two IME. NIVM can serve as an objective method for determining dry weight as well as predicting and preventing IME in the pediatric population on maintenance HD. | 25,193,902 | [
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Co-existence of BKV nephropathy and disseminated tuberculosis in transplant recipient. | Tuberculosis (TB) in renal transplant recipients presents important diagnostic difficulties because of the greater incidence of extra-pulmonary involvement, negative sputum smear results despite active disease and its atypical presentation, specifically reactivation of the latent form. BKV nephropathy was first reported in 1995, coinciding with the widespread use of immunosuppressive drugs, which can complicate the cores of 1-10% of renal transplant recipients. It is also not uncommon to find the existence of bacterial or fungal infections in the presence of an immuno-modulating virus like cytomegalovirus infection. Herewith, we describe a 67-year-old Saudi male who presented with deterioration of renal function and fever of unknown origin and was documented to have polyoma virus nephropathy and disseminated TB. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such an association in the literature. | 25,193,905 | [
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Renal paraneoplastic vasculitis complicating lung adenocarcinoma. | Renal paraneoplastic vasculitis (RNPV) is rare. It can be revealed by glomerulonephritis, microaneurysms or renal failure. RPNV may precede the onset of the primary tumor, and treatment and prognosis depend on the etiology (primary tumor). A 54-year-old man who had a primary lung adenocarcinoma was admitted for nephrotic syndrome. The investigations revealed RNPV. The patient was treated with corticosteroids at high dose and cyclophosphamide with improvement of the renal condition; however, the patient died from worsening of his pulmonary neoplasia. | 25,193,910 | [
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Fearfulness moderates the link between childhood social withdrawal and adolescent reward response. | Withdrawal from peers during childhood may reflect disruptions in reward functioning that heighten vulnerability to affective disorders during adolescence. The association between socially withdrawn behavior and reward functioning may depend on traits that influence this withdrawal, such as fearfulness or unsociability. In a study of 129 boys, we evaluated how boys' fearfulness and sociability at age 5 and social withdrawal at school at ages 6 to 10 and during a summer camp at age 9/10 were associated with their neural response to reward at age 20. Greater social withdrawal during childhood was associated with heightened striatal and mPFC activation when anticipating rewards at age 20. Fearfulness moderated this effect to indicate that social withdrawal was associated with heightened reward-related response in the striatum for boys high on fearfulness. Altered striatal response associated with social withdrawal and fearfulness predicted greater likelihood to have a lifetime history of depression and social phobia at age 20. These findings add greater specificity to previous findings that children high in traits related to fear of novelty show altered reward responses, by identifying fearfulness (but not low levels of sociability) as a potential underlying mechanism that contributes to reward alterations in withdrawn children. | 25,193,948 | [
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Secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma. | In the course of multiple myeloma, patients may develop a M-protein band different from the original: secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. In this retrospective single center analysis, we describe the occurrence and clinical relevance of secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (post-transplant monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance). A total of 138 patients who had undergone 139 allogeneic stem cell transplantations (39.6% in the upfront setting and 60.4% for relapsed multiple myeloma) were included in the study. Sixty-seven (48.2%) patients developed secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, after a median latency of 6.9 months. Secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance occurred more often in patients who achieved at least very good partial response after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, compared to partial response or less (54.8% vs. 26.5%; P=0.005). The incidence was also higher in the upfront setting as compared to relapsed disease, or with a sibling donor compared to matched unrelated donor, but less often after T-cell depletion. Importantly, development of post-transplant monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance as a time-dependent variable independently predicted for superior progression-free and overall survival (median progression-free survival 37.5 vs. 6.3 months, P<0.001; median overall survival 115.3 vs. 31.0 months, P=0.004). Clinicians should be aware of the benign nature of this phenomenon, and secondary monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance should not be confused with relapse or progression of disease. (Trial registered with trialregister.nl; HOVON 108: NTR 2958.). | 25,193,963 | [
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FANCJ promotes DNA synthesis through G-quadruplex structures. | Our genome contains many G-rich sequences, which have the propensity to fold into stable secondary DNA structures called G4 or G-quadruplex structures. These structures have been implicated in cellular processes such as gene regulation and telomere maintenance. However, G4 sequences are prone to mutations particularly upon replication stress or in the absence of specific helicases. To investigate how G-quadruplex structures are resolved during DNA replication, we developed a model system using ssDNA templates and Xenopus egg extracts that recapitulates eukaryotic G4 replication. Here, we show that G-quadruplex structures form a barrier for DNA replication. Nascent strand synthesis is blocked at one or two nucleotides from the G4. After transient stalling, G-quadruplexes are efficiently unwound and replicated. In contrast, depletion of the FANCJ/BRIP1 helicase causes persistent replication stalling at G-quadruplex structures, demonstrating a vital role for this helicase in resolving these structures. FANCJ performs this function independently of the classical Fanconi anemia pathway. These data provide evidence that the G4 sequence instability in FANCJ(-/-) cells and Fancj/dog1 deficient C. elegans is caused by replication stalling at G-quadruplexes. | 25,193,968 | [
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Elevated levels of the neutrophil chemoattractant pro-platelet basic protein in macrophages from individuals with chronic and allergic aspergillosis. | Aspergillus fumigatus causes chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in overtly immunocompetent and atopic individuals, respectively. Disease mechanisms are poorly understood but may be related to increased neutrophil presence and activation. Pro-platelet basic protein (PPBP) is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant and activator whose expression is repressed by interleukin 10 (IL-10). PPBP expression by monocyte-derived macrophages from patients with ABPA or CCPA and asthmatic and healthy controls (10 individuals per group) was analyzed using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. PPBP and IL-10 protein levels in cell culture supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two PPBP single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 638 individuals. The gene was resequenced in 20 individuals. PPBP expression and protein levels were significantly increased in the ABPA (19.7-fold) and CCPA (27.7-fold) groups, compared with the control groups. PPBP SNPs were not associated with disease. IL-10 protein levels were significantly lower in the ABPA and CCPA groups, compared with the healthy group, suggesting that differences in PPBP levels may result from regulatory mechanisms. The results suggest a role for increased PPBP expression in ABPA and CCPA. Repression of PPBP expression may benefit some patients. Increased PPBP expression in ABPA and CCPA may be useful as a future diagnostic tool or possible target for novel therapeutics. | 25,193,981 | [
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Binocular interaction of visually evoked cortical potentials elicited by dichoptic binocular stimulation. | To analyze the interaction of cortical potentials elicited by dichoptic stimulation of the dominant and fellow eyes at different frequencies, a pair of programmed power supply units were used to drive a light emitting diode (LED) mounted in the right and left eyes of light-proof goggles to elicit the visually evoked cortical responses (VECPs). The right eye was stimulated at 11.5 Hz and the left eye at 11.0 Hz. Then the stimulation was repeated with the frequency of stimulation switched to the other eyes. The stimulus duration was 5 ms. The sampling rate was 1.0 Hz, and the duration of collection was 200 ms. The VECP of each eye was extracted separately. Individual VECPs could be recorded separately after simultaneous dichoptic stimulation of each eye. The amplitudes of the VECPs were not significantly different after stimulating the dominant eye and the fellow eye separately. The implicit times of negative peak (N-2) and the second positive peak (P-2) were shorter after stimulation of the dominant eye than after stimulation of the fellow eye, but the difference was not significant. However, the implicit time of N-2 elicited by stimulating the dominant eye was significantly shorter when the stimulation rate was 11.5 Hz. The VECPs elicited by stimulating the two eyes can be recorded separately by simultaneous dichoptic stimulation. Dichoptic simultaneous stimulation required a shorter time and may be a more sensitive method of analyzing binocular interactions compared to the classic VECPs using monocular stimulation. | 25,194,016 | [
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Morphine dependence in single enteric neurons from the mouse colon requires deletion of β-arrestin2. | Chronic administration of morphine results in the development of tolerance to the analgesic effects and to inhibition of upper gastrointestinal motility but not to colonic motility, resulting in persistent constipation. In this study we examined the effect of chronic morphine in myenteric neurons from the adult mouse colon. Similar to the ileum, distinct neuronal populations exhibiting afterhyperpolarization (AHP)-positive and AHP-negative neurons were identified in the colon. Acute morphine (3 μM) decreased the number of action potentials, and increased the threshold for action potential generation indicative of reduced excitability in AHP-positive neurons. In neurons from the ileum of mice that were rendered antinociceptive tolerant by morphine-pellet implantation for 5 days, the opioid antagonist naloxone precipitated withdrawal as evidenced by increased neuronal excitability. Overnight incubation of ileum neurons with morphine also resulted in enhanced excitability to naloxone. Colonic neurons exposed to long-term morphine, remained unresponsive to naloxone suggesting that precipitated withdrawal does not occur in colonic neurons. However, morphine-treated colonic neurons from β-arrestin2 knockout mice demonstrated increased excitability upon treatment with naloxone as assessed by change in rheobase, number of action potentials and input resistance. These data suggest that similar to the ileum, acute exposure to morphine in colonic neurons results in reduced excitability due to inhibition of sodium currents. However, unlike the ileum, dependence to chronic exposure of morphine develops in colonic neurons from the β-arrestin2 knockout mice. These studies corroborate the in-vivo findings of the differential role of neuronal β-arrestin2 in the development of morphine tolerance/dependence in the ileum and colon. | 25,194,025 | [
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Calcium-buffering effects of gluconate and nucleotides, as determined by a novel fluorimetric titration method. | Significantly more Ca(2+) influx is required for eliciting release of neurotransmitter during whole cell patch clamp recording in the Calyx of Held, when gluconate with 3 mm free ATP is used as pipette filling solution, as compared to a methanesulfonate-based solution with excess Mg(2+). This reduction in efficiency of Ca(2+) in eliciting release is due to low-affinity Ca(2+) binding of both gluconate and ATP(2-) anions. To study these effects we developed a simple fluorimeteric titration procedure, which reports the dissociation constant, KD, of a given Ca(2+) indicator dye, multiplied by 1 plus the sum of Ca(2+) binding ratios of any anions, which act as low-affinity Ca(2+) ligands. For solutions without Ca(2+) binding anions we find KD values for Fura2FF ranging from 11.5 ± 1.7 to 15.6 ± 7.47 μm depending on the dominant anion used. For Fura6F and KCl-based solutions we find KD = 17.8 ± 1.3 μm. For solutions with gluconate as the main anion and for solutions that contain nucleotides, such as ATP and GTP, we find much higher values for the product. Assuming that the KD of the indicator dye is equal to that of KCl-based solutions we calculate the summed Ca(2+) binding ratios and find a value of 3.55 for a solution containing 100 mm potassium gluconate and 4 mm ATP. Gluconate contributes a value of 1.75 to this number, while the contribution of ATP depends strongly on the presence of Mg(2+) and varies from 0.8 (with excess Mg(2+)) to 13.8 (in the presence of 3 mm free ATP). Methanesulfonate has negligible Ca(2+) binding capacity. These results explain the reduced efficiency of Ca(2+) influx in the presence of gluconate or nucleotides, as these anions are expected to intercept Ca(2+) ions at short distance. | 25,194,050 | [
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Perceptions of high-achieving African American/Black tenth graders from a low socioeconomic community regarding health scientists and desired careers. | Measures are needed to assess youth perceptions about health science careers to facilitate research aimed at increasing youth pursuit of health science. Although the Indiana Instrument provides an established measure of perceptions regarding nursing and ideal careers, we were interested in learning how high-achieving 10th graders from relatively low socioeconomic areas who identify as black/African American (black) perceive health science and ideal careers. The Indiana Instrument was modified, administered to 90 youth of interest, and psychometrically analyzed. Reliable subscales were identified that may facilitate parsimonious, theoretical, and reliable study of youth decision-making regarding health science careers. Such research may help to develop and evaluate strategies for increasing the number of minority health scientists. | 25,194,058 | [
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Attitudes to obesity among rehabilitation health professionals in Australia. | Negative attitudes toward obese individuals can affect the quality of healthcare and health outcomes. This study examined the attitudes and beliefs of rehabilitation health professionals in Victoria, Australia, toward obesity. Additionally, potential predictors of anti-fat attitudes (or "fat phobia") were explored. A cross-sectional, anonymous, self-report survey of rehabilitation health professionals employed in public and private health sectors was performed. Measures included demographic information, attitudes toward obesity, beliefs regarding causes of obesity, and levels of empathy, with associations between variables examined. The cohort demonstrated average levels of fat phobia (3.5 ± SD 0.46), with 4% of respondents exhibiting high levels of anti-fat attitudes. Younger respondents had significantly higher levels of fat phobia than did older staff (p<0.001). Sex, empathy levels, and type of professional or clinical practice area did not correlate with attitudes. Fat phobia was predicted by respondent age and beliefs about causes of obesity, with 20% of variance in attitudes being accounted for. Rehabilitation health professionals demonstrate average levels of negative attitudes to obese individuals. Fat phobia is predicted by causal beliefs and the health professional's age. These findings may guide education of health professionals regarding the nature and causes of obesity, in order to improve patient outcomes. | 25,194,063 | [
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Dynamic and routine interprofessional simulations: expanding the use of simulation to enhance interprofessional competencies. | The purpose of this study was to develop, deliver, and assess relevant interprofessional (IP) simulation experiences for prelicensure students from multiple disciplines in certificate, diploma, and degree programs. Seventy-eight students from four post-secondary institutions participated in either a high-fidelity mannequin postoperative simulation experience (dynamic simulation) or a standardized patient homecare simulation experience (routine simulation). The University of West England Questionnaire was used pre- and post-simulation experience to determine the change in communication and teamwork. Overall, students' perceptions of their communication and teamwork skills increased after completing either simulation. Students from certificate, diploma, and degree programs participating in the same simulations demonstrated improvements on self-report measures of communication and teamwork. The key was creating a simulation learning experience that reflected the realities of practice, rather than the participants' credentials. Placing students in teams that are relevant for practice, rather than grouping them by academic credentials, is necessary and can provide positive learning experiences for all participants, as demonstrated by these results. | 25,194,064 | [
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Laparoscopic plasty for reconstruction of symptomatic horseshoe kidney. | To report our experience of transperitoneal laparoscopic plasty for reconstruction in patients with horseshoe kidney. We retrospectively analyzed 12 patients with the symptomatic horseshoe kidney who presented to our institution from March 2005 to July 2008 and underwent laparoscopic reconstruction for horseshoe kidney. Computed tomography angiography was performed prior to surgery for evaluation of the anatomic variations, since preoperative knowledge is necessary for achieving reliable vascular control. Five patients had renal stones which were extracted during surgery. All laparoscopic operations were performed by the same urologist. All procedures were completed successfully and no one needed for conversion to open surgery. Mean operative time was 150 min and no major complications were observed. The average follow-up time was 28.7 months. All patients had good renal function and improved drainage with successful reconstruction. Laparoscopic reconstruction has since been demonstrated to be an attractive alternative in the management of the horseshoe kidney. It provides a feasible and effective alternative to conventional management. | 25,194,071 | [
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Does metabolic syndrome increase erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms. | To evaluate the impact of metabolic syndrome (MS) on erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We included patients who had presented at the urology outpatients with LUTS or ED complaints and at the endocrinology outpatients for diabetes between May 2012 and April 2013. MS was present in 50 of the 107 patients (42.7%). The blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, serum lipid profile, triglyceride, total cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and total prostate specific antigen (PSA) values were recorded. The international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score and international erectile function index (IIEF-5) values were determined for the patients. All patients also underwent uroflowmetry together with prostate volume and residual urine volume measurement. There was a significant negative correlation between the IPSS and IIEF scores of the patients (P &lt; .001, r = -0.42). There was no significant difference regarding IPSS scores between patients with and without MS (P = .6), while the IIEF-5 scores were significantly lower in the MS group (P = .03). We found that metabolic syndrome did not significantly affect LUTS but could significantly contribute to ED. We therefore feel patients presenting with ED complaints should also be carefully evaluated for MS.&nbsp; | 25,194,083 | [
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[General practitioner's role in immunization practice: prevention, counseling and protection of patients at risk]. | In Italy, General Practitioner (GP) plays a key role in directing patients in immunization practice, especially those at risk, who might benefit most from vaccine protection. The numerous GP's specific activities in this field include vaccine administration, reporting of adverse reactions, check of vaccination status, counseling, identification of at-risk patients, recommendation for post-exposure prophylaxis, self and ambulatory staff immunization. GP is one the main health professionals in charge of patients care and has the task to ensure both diseases prevention and health care costs restraint. | 25,194,124 | [
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Changes in oxidative stress and acid-base balance in men and women following maximal-intensity physical exercise. | Oxidative stress may be caused by an increased rate of ATP resynthesis during physical exercise. The aim of this study was to compare changes in the prooxidant-antioxidant state of blood plasma between men and women after maximal-intensity exercise, and to assess the relationship between these changes and the value of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) as well as between these changes and the value of post-exercise disruptions in acid-base balance. Study participants comprised 10 women (20.7 ± 0.5 years) and 10 men (22.3 ± 0.5 years) who were physically active but did not engage in competitive sports training. VO(2max) was determined via treadmill incremental test (VO(2max) relative to body mass: 44.48 ± 1.21 ml/kg/min and 59.16 ± 1.55 ml/kg/min for women and men, respectively). The level of acid-base balance indicators (ABB), lactate concentration (La⁻), the level of total oxidative status (TOS), the level of total antioxidative capacity (TAC), and uric acid (UA) concentration were measured before and after the test. An oxidative stress indicator (OSI) was also calculated. Men showed a significant post-exercise increase in the level of TOS and OSI, while women showed a significant post-exercise increase in the level of TAC. Post-exercise changes in UA concentration were insignificant. Post-exercise changes in TOC in men depended on the absolute values of VO(2max), on VO(2max)/LBM, and on post-exercise changes in La⁻ concentration. | 25,194,128 | [
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A putative methyltransferase, mtrA, contributes to development, spore viability, protein secretion and virulence in the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. | The filamentous fungus, Beauveria bassiana, is a ubiquitously distributed insect pathogen, currently used as an alternative to chemical pesticides for pest control. Conidiospores are the means by which the fungus disseminates in the environment, and these cells also represent the infectious agent most commonly used in field applications. Little, however, is known concerning the molecular basis for maintenance of spore viability, a critical feature for survival and persistence. Here, we report on the role of a putative methyltransferase, BbmtrA, in conidial viability, normal fungal growth and development, and virulence, via characterization of a targeted gene knockout strain. Loss of BbmtrA resulted in pleiotropic effects including reduced germination, growth and conidiation, with growing mycelia displaying greater branching than the WT parent. Conidial viability dramatically decreased over time, with <5 % of the cells remaining viable after 30 days as compared with >80 % of the WT. Reduced production of extracellular proteins was also observed for the ΔBbmtrA mutant, including protease/peptidases, glycoside hydrolases and the hyd1 hydrophobin. The latter was further confirmed by hyd1 gene expression analysis. Insect bioassays using the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, further revealed that the ΔBbmtrA strain was attenuated in virulence and failed to sporulate on host cadavers. These data support a global role for mtrA in fungal physiological processes. | 25,194,143 | [
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Remplissage, humeral osteochondral grafts, weber osteotomy, and shoulder arthroplasty for the management of humeral bone defects in shoulder instability: systematic review and quantitative synthesis of the literature. | The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes, rate of recurrence, complications, and range of movement after remplissage, Weber osteotomy, humeral allograft reconstruction, shoulder arthroplasty, and hemiarthroplasty in patients with anterior or posterior shoulder instability associated with humeral bone loss. A systematic review of published studies on the management of dislocation of the shoulder with humeral bony procedures was performed. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Medline, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar databases was performed using various combinations of the keywords "shoulder," "dislocation," "treatment," "remplissage," "hemiarthroplasty," "arthroplasty," "allograft," "osteotomy," "bone," "loss," "clinical," "outcome," and "Hill Sachs" since inception of the databases to 2014. The following data were extracted: demographic characteristics, bone defects and other lesions, type of surgery, outcome measurement, range of motion, recurrence of instability, and complications. Twenty-six studies were included, in which 769 shoulders were evaluated. The mean value of the Coleman Methodology Score was 69.2 points. Preoperatively, the most detected injuries were Hill-Sachs and Bankart lesions. Shoulder arthroplasty procedures had the highest rate of postoperative recurrence and the lowest scores for postoperative clinical outcomes. The combination of remplissage and Bankart procedures was associated with a lower rate of recurrence when compared with Bankart repair alone (odds ratio, 0.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.25; P = .0002). A high heterogeneity (I(2) = 85%) across the study results was found. Arthroscopic remplissage is the safest technique for the management of patients with shoulder instability with humeral bone loss. Remplissage-Bankart procedures are associated with a lower rate of recurrence when compared with Bankart repair alone. Weber osteotomy, humeral allograft reconstruction, shoulder arthroplasty, and hemiarthroplasty are characterized by a high rate of recurrence, complications, and poor outcome scores. Level IV, systematic review of Level II, III, and IV studies. | 25,194,166 | [
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Basic life support is effectively taught in groups of three, five and eight medical students: a prospective, randomized study. | Resuscitation is a life-saving measure usually instructed in simulation sessions. Small-group teaching is effective. However, feasible group sizes for resuscitation classes are unknown. We investigated the impact of different group sizes on the outcome of resuscitation training. Medical students (n = 74) were randomized to courses with three, five or eight participants per tutor. The course duration was adjusted according to the group size, so that there was a time slot of 6 minutes hands-on time for every student. All participants performed an objective structured clinical examination before and after training. The teaching sessions were videotaped and resuscitation quality was scored using a checklist while we measured the chest compression parameters with a manikin. In addition, we recorded hands-on-time, questions to the tutor and unrelated conversation. Results are displayed as median (IQR). Checklist pass rates and scores were comparable between the groups of three, five and eight students per tutor in the post-test (93%, 100% and 100%). Groups of eight students asked fewer questions (0.5 (0.0 - 1.0) vs. 3.0 (2.0 - 4.0), p < .001), had less hands-on time (2:16 min (1:15 - 4:55 min) vs. 4:07 min (2:54 - 5:52 min), p = .02), conducted more unrelated conversations (17.0 ± 5.1 and 2.9 ± 1.7, p < 0.001) and had lower self-assessments than groups of three students per tutor (7.0 (6.1 - 9.0) and 8.2 (7.2 - 9.0), p = .03). Resuscitation checklist scores and pass rates after training were comparable in groups of three, five or eight medical students, although smaller groups had advantages in teaching interventions and hands-on time. Our results suggest that teaching BLS skills is effective in groups up to eight medical students, but smaller groups yielded more intense teaching conditions, which might be crucial for more complex skills or less advanced students. | 25,194,168 | [
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The aetiology of obesity beyond eating more and exercising less. | Although recent increases in availability of energy dense, processed foods and reductions in institutionally driven physical activity have created an environment that is permissible for obesity to occur, several other factors may contribute to the development of obesity in this context. We review evidence for eleven such factors: endocrine disruptors, intrauterine effects, epigenetics, maternal age, differential fecundity and assortative mating by body mass index, microorganisms, reduction in variability of ambient temperatures, smoking cessation, sleep debt, and pharmaceutical iatrogenesis. Evidence for the role of endocrine disruptors, microorganisms, ambient temperatures, sleep and reproductive factors is accumulating, but additional research is needed to confirm the causative role of these factors in human obesity. However, the role of certain pharmaceuticals and smoking cessation in development of human obesity is clear. Practice points for consideration and future research needed are highlighted for each factor. | 25,194,173 | [
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Bile acids, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome. | Bile acids are increasingly recognized as key regulators of systemic metabolism. While bile acids have long been known to play important and direct roles in nutrient absorption, bile acids also serve as signalling molecules. Bile acid interactions with the nuclear hormone receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the membrane receptor G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor 5 (TGR5) can regulate incretin hormone and fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) secretion, cholesterol metabolism, and systemic energy expenditure. Bile acid levels and distribution are altered in type 2 diabetes and increased following bariatric procedures, in parallel with reduced body weight and improved insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control. Thus, modulation of bile acid levels and signalling, using bile acid binding resins, TGR5 agonists, and FXR agonists, may serve as a potent therapeutic approach for the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other components of the metabolic syndrome in humans. | 25,194,176 | [
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Carcinogenicity of metamifop, a novel herbicide, in Wistar rats following oral administration for 104 weeks. | Metamifop is a novel herbicide with as yet undetermined properties. To assess its carcinogenicity, metamifop was mixed into standard rodent chow and fed to male and female Wistar rats at doses of 10, 100 and 750ppm for 104weeks. The viability/mortality of these rats was not affected by treatment with metamifop. Treatment had no significant effects on clinical parameters, and food consumption. Males and females fed 750ppm of metamifop for 104weeks showed decreases in body weight and body weight gain. Histopathological examination revealed that treatment with metamifop reduced non-neoplastic findings (chronic progressive nephropathy, tubular basophilia, tubular casts, glomerulosclerosis, basophilic and clear cell foci, senile atrophy, and mesothelial hyperplasia) and reduced neoplastic findings (thymoma, pituitary adenoma, and mammary fibroadenoma and adenocarcinoma in females, and mesenteric lymph node hemangioma in males) compared with control groups. Benign granulosa cell tumors were increased in a dose-dependent manner. As metamifop did not show any genotoxic potential, and there was no correlation between ovarian cancer and increased gonadal hormone levels in humans, the granulosa cell tumors observed in female rats fed a high dose of metamifop were considered not relevant to humans. | 25,194,188 | [
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Persistent organic pollutants in mountain air of the southeastern Tibetan Plateau: seasonal variations and implications for regional cycling. | In order to provide more conclusive evidence of monsoon-driven transport of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and assess the potential influence of forests on the fate of these pollutants, passive air samplers were consecutively deployed during 2008-2011 on Sygera Mountain (3800 m-4400 m). Higher DDTs levels were observed in the monsoon season (20.5-57.4 pg m(-3)) than the non-monsoon season (9.2-27.4 pg m(-3)), which confirmed that the Indian monsoon plays a key role in driving the atmospheric transport of DDTs to the TP. The similar DDT isomer ratios to the South Asia further suggested that Sygera Mountain is likely a receptor region of Indian subcontinent. By comparing the difference in concentrations between forest and clearing sites, it was found that the forest canopy can reduce airborne DDTs by a factor of 2, indicating strong absorption of DDTs by the Tibetan forest. | 25,194,189 | [
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The General Comments on HIV adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights as a tool to advance the sexual and reproductive rights of women in Africa. | The present article examines the contents and importance of the General Comments adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights on Article 14 (1) (d) and (e) of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa as a tool for advancing women's rights in the context of HIV. Given that discriminatory practices in all facets of life have continued to limit African women's enjoyment of their sexual and reproductive rights and render them susceptible to HIV infection, it becomes vital that African governments adopt appropriate measures to address this challenge. The provisions of the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa present great opportunities for this to be realized. The radical and progressive provisions of the Protocol will be of no use to women unless policymakers and other stakeholders have a clear understanding of them and are able to implement them effectively. The adoption of the General Comments is a welcome development, and states and civil society groups must maximize it to advance women's rights. | 25,194,215 | [
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Asymmetry analysis of macular inner retinal layers for glaucoma diagnosis. | To determine if asymmetry in thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer, ganglion cell complex, and total retina between upper and lower macula halves can predict glaucoma. Retrospective case-control series. One hundred twenty-two eyes of 122 patients (30 normal eyes and 30 preperimetric, 31 early, and 31 advanced glaucoma eyes) were studied. The RNFL, ganglion cell layer, ganglion cell complex, and total retina were segmented and measured on 10 vertical B-scans over a 30 × 15 degree macular area. The equation asymmetry index =|log10 (lower hemiretinal thickness/upper hemiretinal thickness)| was used to calculate asymmetry indices for 8 pairs of upper and lower 0.5-mm segments equidistant from the fovea on each scan. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AROCs) for mean thickness and mean asymmetry index of 10 B-scans were compared. The overlap in values for normal and glaucomatous eyes was minimal for the ganglion cell layer asymmetry index. Thickness parameters decreased with the severity of glaucoma, whereas asymmetry indices did not. AROCs for thickness measurements tended to increase with increasing glaucoma severity (preperimetric, 0.746-0.808; early, 0.842-0.940; advanced, 0.943-0.995), whereas AROCs for asymmetry indices did not have distinct ranges according to glaucoma severity (advanced, 0.819-0.996; early, 0.861-0.998; preperimetric, 0.773-0.994). The AROC for the ganglion cell layer asymmetry index remained almost perfect regardless of glaucoma severity (0.994-0.998). Macular retinal layer thickness asymmetry indices, particularly for the ganglion cell layer, show promise as early indicators of glaucomatous retinal damage. | 25,194,230 | [
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Self-rated measure of pain frequency, intensity, and burden: psychometric properties of a new instrument for the assessment of pain. | A brief, self-administered measurement of pain frequency, intensity, and burden is desirable in both research and clinical settings. We describe the development and initial psychometric properties of a new instrument, the Pain Frequency, Intensity, and Burden Scale (P-FIBS). The P-FIBS was administered to all participants (N = 302) with psychostimulant use disorders in the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network's STRIDE (Stimulant Reduction Intervention using Dose Exercise) multisite trial. The four items on the P-FIBS demonstrate high item-total correlations (range 0.70-0.85) with a high Cronbach's alpha (0.90). The P-FIBS demonstrated a strong negative correlation with the bodily pain sub-score of the Short Form Health Survey (r = -0.76, p < 0.0001) and did not correlate with a measure of cocaine (r = 0.09, p = 0.12) or methamphetamine (r = -0.06, p = 0.33) craving. The P-FIBS demonstrates good psychometric properties. This brief measure can be used to assess pain in research settings or as a screen in clinical settings. Further research is needed to assess the measure's sensitivity to change with treatment. | 25,194,231 | [
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A luciferase-based assay for rapid assessment of drug activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis including monitoring of macrophage viability. | The intracellular (IC) effect of drugs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is not well established but increasingly important to consider when combining current and future multidrug regimens into the best possible treatment strategies. For this purpose, we developed an IC model based on a genetically modified Mtb H37Rv strain, expressing the Vibrio harvei luciferase (H37Rv-lux) infecting the human macrophage like cell line THP-1. Cells were infected at a low multiplicity of infection (1:1) and subsequently exposed to isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (EMB), amikacin (AMI) or levofloxacin (LEV) for 5days in a 96-well format. Cell viability was evaluated by Calcein AM and was maintained throughout the experiment. The number of viable H37Rv-lux was determined by luminescence and verified by a colony forming unit analysis. The results were compared to the effects of the same drugs in broth cultures. AMI, EMB and LEV were significantly less effective intracellularly (MIC90: >4mg/L, 8mg/L and 2mg/L, respectively) compared to extracellularly (MIC90: 0.5mg/L for AMI and EMB; 0.25mg/L for LEV). The reverse was the case for INH (IC: 0.064mg/L vs EC: 0.25mg/L). In conclusion, this luciferase based method, in which monitoring of cell viability is included, has the potential to become a useful tool while evaluating the intracellular effects of anti-mycobacterial drugs. | 25,194,234 | [
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Traffic-related PM2.5 induces cytosolic [Ca²⁺] increase regulated by Orai1, alters the CaN-NFAT signaling pathway, and affects IL-2 and TNF-α cytoplasmic levels in Jurkat T-cells. | The atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter less than or equal to 2.5 um (PM2.5) can result in increased immune system damage or diseases, however, the possible mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we used Jurkat T cells to determine the effects of PM2.5 on T cell-mediated adaptive immune response. Our results indicated that PM2.5 exposure increased intracellular calcium ion concentration [Ca(2+)]. In contrast, cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration [Ca(2+)]i significantly decreased in Jurkat T cells transfected with Orai1siRNA. In addition, we detected the level of interleukin (IL)-2 and tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-α as well as other signalling molecules, including calcineurin (CaN) and NFATc2, a gene on 20q13.2 that encodes a member of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), in the supernatant of cells exposed to PM2.5. The expression of NFATc2 protein increased in a time-dependent manner after exposure to PM2.5, but the activity of CaN decreased. NFATc2 was not consistent with IL-2 accumulation, thus indicating the involvement of other signals in the suppression of IL-2 accumulation. Our findings demonstrate that PM2.5 exposure in immune cells results in locally increased [Ca(2+)]i generated by Orai1 and CaN-NFAT gene expression, TNF-α and IL-2 cytoplasmic concentrations may be altered. | 25,194,241 | [
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Primary care management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in Northland. | Reducing the rate of acute rheumatic fever nationally by two-thirds by 2017 is a New Zealand Ministry of Health priority. Northland District Health Board (DHB) has high rates of rheumatic fever, disproportionately impacting on Maori children and young people. School-based programmes and general practice both contribute to rheumatic fever prevention in detecting and appropriately treating group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. The aim of this study was to assess adherence by general practitioners and school-based sore throat programmes to national guidelines for the management of GAS pharyngitis in Northland. Laboratory and pharmaceutical data were obtained for children and young people aged 3-20 years who had GAS positive throat swabs in Northland laboratory services between 1 April and 31 July 2012. Data were analysed separately for general practice and the school programmes for rheumatic fever prevention. One in five of those children presenting to general practice with a positive throat swab and complete prescription data did not receive treatment according to national guidelines, while appropriate treatment was offered to more than 98% of children accessing school-based programmes. A significant proportion of those seen in general practice received antibiotics not recommended by guidelines, an inadequate length of treatment or no prescription. There were no significant differences in the management of Maori and non-Maori children. There is room for improvement in general practice management of GAS pharyngitis in Northland. School-based management of sore throat provides high-quality management for children at high risk of rheumatic fever. | 25,194,245 | [
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A patient-centred clinical approach to diabetes care assists long-term reduction in HbA1c. | Patient-centred care has proven to be cost-effective, with a positive impact on health outcomes. A patient-centred approach is recognised as a desirable component of diabetes care. The aim of this audit was to determine if the specific patient-centred intervention offered by a clinical service (GPSI Diabetes service) improves diabetes care, as measured by changes in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). The GPSI Diabetes service is a community-based service, run by a general practitioner with a specific interest (GPSI) in diabetes, and a practice nurse. Adults with diabetes are referred to the service by their general practitioner (GP) and care is provided using a set of loosely structured diabetes-specific patient-centred approaches. Following a series of visits, patients are discharged back to their GP. Baseline HbA1c was recorded at intake and for two years after discharge from the service. Patient and GP satisfaction questionnaires were also completed. New Zealand (NZ) Europeans and Maori with Type 2 diabetes and Type 1 diabetes experienced immediate and sustained (two-year) improvements in HbA1c. At intake, baseline HbA1c for Maori was higher than that of NZ Europeans. However, following this patient-centred intervention, this difference was reduced. None of the returned GP or patient questionnaires contained negative feedback, although the patient response rate was low. A patient-centred clinical approach to diabetes can contribute to significant and sustained reductions in HbA1c. This clinical approach is potentially reproducible in other clinical settings and could also be applied to the management of other chronic conditions. | 25,194,246 | [
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Computational diagnosis and risk evaluation for canine lymphoma. | The canine lymphoma blood test detects the levels of two biomarkers, the acute phase proteins (C-Reactive Protein and Haptoglobin). This test can be used for diagnostics, for screening, and for remission monitoring as well. We analyze clinical data, test various machine learning methods and select the best approach to these oblems. Three families of methods, decision trees, kNN (including advanced and adaptive kNN) and probability density evaluation with radial basis functions, are used for classification and risk estimation. Several pre-processing approaches were implemented and compared. The best of them are used to create the diagnostic system. For the differential diagnosis the best solution gives the sensitivity and specificity of 83.5% and 77%, respectively (using three input features, CRP, Haptoglobin and standard clinical symptom). For the screening task, the decision tree method provides the best result, with sensitivity and specificity of 81.4% and >99%, respectively (using the same input features). If the clinical symptoms (Lymphadenopathy) are considered as unknown then a decision tree with CRP and Hapt only provides sensitivity 69% and specificity 83.5%. The lymphoma risk evaluation problem is formulated and solved. The best models are selected as the system for computational lymphoma diagnosis and evaluation of the risk of lymphoma as well. These methods are implemented into a special web-accessed software and are applied to the problem of monitoring dogs with lymphoma after treatment. It detects recurrence of lymphoma up to two months prior to the appearance of clinical signs. The risk map visualization provides a friendly tool for exploratory data analysis. | 25,194,257 | [
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Kinetics study on conventional and microwave pyrolysis of moso bamboo. | A comparative study on the pyrolysis kinetics of moso bamboo has been conducted in a conventional thermogravimetric analyzer and a microwave thermogravimetric analyzer respectively. The effect of heating rate on the pyrolysis process was also discussed. The results showed that both the maximum and average reaction rates increased with the heating rate increasing. The values of activation energy increased from 58.30 to 84.22 kJ/mol with the heating rate decreasing from 135 to 60 °C/min during conventional pyrolysis. The value of activation energy was 24.5 kJ/mol for microwave pyrolysis, much lower than that for conventional pyrolysis at a similar heating rate of 160 °C/min. The pyrolysis of moso bamboo exhibited a kinetic compensation effect. The low activation energy obtained under microwave irradiation suggests that microwaves heating would be a promising method for biomass pyrolysis. | 25,194,260 | [
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Production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) by bacterial consortium from excess sludge fermentation liquid at laboratory and pilot scales. | The generation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from excess sludge fermentation liquid (SFL) was studied at lab and pilot scale. A PHA-accumulated bacterial consortium (S-150) was isolated from activated sludge using simulated SFL (S-SFL) contained high concentration volatile fatty acids (VFA) and nitrogen. The maximal PHA content accounted for 59.18% in S-SFL and dropped to 23.47% in actual SFL (L-SFL) of the dry cell weight (DCW) at lab scale. The pilot-scale integrated system comprised an anaerobic fermentation reactor (AFR), a ceramic membrane system (CMS) and a PHA production bio-reactor (PHAR). The PHA content from pilot-scale SFL (P-SFL) finally reached to 59.47% DCW with the maximal PHA yield coefficient (YP/S) of 0.17 g PHA/g COD. The results indicated that VFA-containing SFL was suitable for PHA production. The adverse impact of excess nitrogen and non-VFAs in SFL might be eliminated by pilot-scale domestication, which might resulted in community structure optimization and substrate selective ability improvement of S-150. | 25,194,265 | [
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Spatial and temporal trends in brominated flame retardants in seabirds from the Pacific coast of Canada. | Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) are bioaccumulative flame retardants. PBDEs increased in many ecosystems during the late 20th century, but recently have declined in some environments. To examine trends in the northern Pacific, we analysed PBDEs, HBCDD and carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) to account for dietary effects in archived eggs of three seabird species from British Columbia, Canada, 1990-2011 (rhinoceros auklets, Cerorhinca monocerata; Leach's storm-petrels, Oceanodroma leucorhoa; ancient murrelets, Synthliboramphus antiquus, 2009 only). PBDEs increased until approximately 2000 and then decreased, while HBCDD increased exponentially throughout the examined period. No significant changes in dietary tracers were observed. HBCDD and ΣPBDE levels varied among species; ΣPBDE also varied among sites. Temporal changes in contaminant concentrations are unlikely to have been caused by dietary changes, and likely reflect the build-up followed by decreases associated with voluntary phase-outs and regulations implemented in North America to control PBDEs. | 25,194,271 | [
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Molecular concepts in the pathogenesis of ameloblastoma: implications for therapeutics. | Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic neoplasm that may exhibit aggressive biological behavior as evidenced by its rapid growth and significance recurrence rates following initial surgical resection. Currently, the only therapy for ameloblastoma is surgical, and adjunctive treatment modalities are needed to mitigate tumor growth and to reduce the need for extensive and disfiguring surgeries. Many studies have identified markers expressed by ameloblastoma and these lend insight to our understanding of tumor progression. This review provides a summary of the specific molecular pathways implicated in tumor pathogenesis, including those involved in bone remodeling, apoptosis, cell signaling, and tumor suppression. Based on these data, we identify several prognostic or therapeutic markers that have been used successfully in the treatment of other neoplastic processes that may also have diagnostic and prognostic utility for ameloblastoma. Thus, it is important to determine which markers hold the greatest promise for clinical management of this benign neoplasm in order to improve treatment options, particularly in patients with aggressive forms of ameloblastoma. | 25,194,300 | [
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Comparing clinician- and patient-reported outcome measures after hemicraniectomy for ischemic stroke. | The association between clinician- and patient-reported health status measures (HSM) after hemicraniectomy for ischemic stroke is understudied. We compared HSMs to determine how HSM type and follow-up affect the interpretation of outcomes. We identified patients that underwent hemicraniectomy for ischemic stroke at the Cleveland Clinic (CC) from January 2009 through May 2013. HSMs were obtained from the CC Knowledge Program Data Registry. Outpatient follow-up was divided into "Early" (3±2 months (standard deviation)) and "Late" (9±3 months) time periods. Clinician-reported HSMs (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS)) were compared to patient-reported HSMs (EuroQol quality of life index (EQ-5D), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Stroke Impact Scale-16 (SIS-16)). 11 of 32 patients completed all HSMs during both follow-up periods. Clinician-reported median NIHSS scores improved from 12 to 7 (p=0.003). Median mRS scores demonstrated little improvement from 4 to 3 (p=0.2). Patient-reported median EQ-5D scores improved from 0.33 to 0.69 (p=0.03). Among EQ-5D sub-scores, "usual activity" improved from a median score of 3 (extreme problems) to 2 (some problems) (p=0.008). Median PHQ-9 scores improved from 9 to 1 (p=0.06) as did SIS-16 scores from 23 to 57 (p=0.01). EQ-5D and mRS score differences between periods were correlated (r=-0.65, p=0.03), but only the EQ-5D showed significant improvement over time. Both HSM types, clinician- and patient-reported outcome measures, improved over time. The structure of clinical trials, and, in particular, defining clinical endpoints and framing outcomes, has a profound impact on the interpretation of what a "favorable" outcome means. | 25,194,307 | [
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Appearance-related cyberbullying: a qualitative investigation of characteristics, content, reasons, and effects. | The aim of this study was to explore 15-year-old adolescents' experiences of appearance-related cyberbullying. Twenty-seven adolescents participated in four focus groups. The adolescents in this study perceived that it is common to be targeted in appearance-related cyberbullying, especially for girls, and that appearance-related cyberbullying is considered to be a potent strategy when attempting to hurt girls. Girls often received comments about being fat, while among boys, it was common to receive comments about looking or seeming "gay." According to the adolescents, an important reason for engaging in appearance-related cyberbullying was to attain higher social status in the peer group. The girls and boys reacted differently to appearance-related cyberbullying. Boys tended to act out or take no offence, while girls experienced lower self-esteem and feelings of depression. Findings in this study contribute to research on cyberbullying as well as to research on girls' body esteem development. | 25,194,309 | [
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Impact of vanadium ions in barium borate glass. | Combined optical and infrared spectral measurements of prepared barium borate glasses containing different concentrations of V2O5 were carried out. Vanadium containing glasses exhibit extended UV-visible (UV/Vis.) bands when compared with base binary borate glass. UV/Vis. spectrum shows the presence of an unsymmetrical strong UV broad band centered at 214 nm attributed to the presence of unavoidable trace iron impurities within the raw materials used for the preparation of such glass. The calculated direct and indirect optical band gaps are found to decrease with increasing the vanadium content (2.9:137 for indirect and 3.99:2.01 for direct transition). This change was discussed in terms of structural changes in the glass network. Infrared absorption spectra of the glasses reveal the appearance of both triangular and tetrahedral borate units. Electron spin resonance analyses indicate the presence of unpaired species in sufficient quantity to be identified and to confirm the spectral data. | 25,194,319 | [
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MM and QM: conformational and vibrational spectra analysis of 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate. | 2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate is generally used with other acrylic and methacrylic products in order to get the desired characteristics of the final product. In this work we are about to make an assignment of experimental infrared bands with the help of a theoretical quantum chemistry calculations. The exact knowledge of some bands which are not characteristics of acrylic materials will enable us to make a quick analysis with available techniques of low costs for mixtures of polymers based on acrylate and methacrylate molecules. In the experimental part, the infrared spectrum of 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate is obtained by using a FTIR Perkin Elmer model 2000. In the computational part and as first step, the theoretical calculations are performed by the semi-empirical AM1 method for excluding similar structures of 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate molecule by a meticulous conformational analysis. As a second step the obtained structures are optimized using DFT. The simulated frequencies are then scaled and a tentative assignment is made based on band intensities and PED percentages. The theoretical calculations predict the existence of thirteen conformations two of them represent the majority of experimental bands in the infrared spectrum. Two neighbor experimental bands located at 1301 and 1207 cm(-1) maybe used as characteristic bands to locate and distinguish the existence of one or both conformations. | 25,194,321 | [
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Identification of species-specific nuclear insertions of mitochondrial DNA (numts) in gorillas and their potential as population genetic markers. | The first hyper-variable region (HV1) of the mitochondrial control region (MCR) has been widely used as a molecular tool in population genetics, but inadvertent amplification of nuclear translocated copies of mitochondrial DNA (numts) in gorillas has compromised the use of mitochondrial DNA in population genetic studies. At least three putative classes (I, II, III) of gorilla-specific HV1 MCR numts have been uncovered over the past decade. However, the number, size and location of numt loci in gorillas and other apes are completely unknown. Furthermore, little work to date has assessed the utility of numts as candidate population genetic markers. In the present study, we screened Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) genomic libraries in the chimpanzee and gorilla to compare patterns of mitochondrial-wide insertion in both taxa. We conducted an intensive BLAST search for numts in the gorilla genome and compared the prevalence of numt loci originating from the MCR with other great ape taxa. Additional gorilla-specific MCR numts were retrieved either through BAC library screens or using an anchored-PCR (A-PCR) amplification using genomic DNA from five unrelated gorillas. Locus-specific primers were designed to identify numt insertional polymorphisms and evaluate their potential as population genetic markers. Mitochondrial-wide surveys of chimpanzee and gorilla BACs showed that the number of numts does not differ between these two taxa. However, MCR numts are more abundant in chimpanzees than in other great apes. We identified and mapped 67 putative gorilla-specific numts, including two that contain the entire HV1 domain, cluster with sequences from two numt classes (I, IIb) and will likely co-amplify with mitochondrial sequences using most published HV1 primers. However, phylogenetic analysis coupled with post-hoc analysis of mitochondrial variation can successfully differentiate nuclear sequences. Insertional polymorphisms were evident in three out of five numts examined, indicating their potential utility as molecular markers. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the potentially powerful insight that numts could make in uncovering population history in gorillas and other mammals. | 25,194,325 | [
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Disparate connectivity for structural and functional networks is revealed when physical location of the connected nodes is considered. | Macroscopic brain networks have been widely described with the manifold of metrics available using graph theory. However, most analyses do not incorporate information about the physical position of network nodes. Here, we provide a multimodal macroscopic network characterization while considering the physical positions of nodes. To do so, we examined anatomical and functional macroscopic brain networks in a sample of twenty healthy subjects. Anatomical networks are obtained with a graph based tractography algorithm from diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images (DW-MRI). Anatomical connections identified via DW-MRI provided probabilistic constraints for determining the connectedness of 90 different brain areas. Functional networks are derived from temporal linear correlations between blood-oxygenation level-dependent signals derived from the same brain areas. Rentian Scaling analysis, a technique adapted from very-large-scale integration circuits analyses, shows that functional networks are more random and less optimized than the anatomical networks. We also provide a new metric that allows quantifying the global connectivity arrangements for both structural and functional networks. While the functional networks show a higher contribution of inter-hemispheric connections, the anatomical networks highest connections are identified in a dorsal-ventral arrangement. These results indicate that anatomical and functional networks present different connectivity organizations that can only be identified when the physical locations of the nodes are included in the analysis. | 25,194,331 | [
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Helicobacter pylori promotes eukaryotic protein translation by activating phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/mTOR. | The innate immune response elicited by Helicobacter pylori in the human gastric mucosa involves a range of cellular signalling pathways, including those implicated in metabolism regulation. In this study, we analysed H. pylori-induced PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling, which regulates glycolysis and protein synthesis and associates thereby with cellular energy- and nutrients-consuming processes such as growth and proliferation. The immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that Akt kinase phosphorylation is abundant in gastric biopsies obtained from gastritis, gastric adenoma and adenocarcinoma patients. Infection with H. pylori led to the phosphorylation of Akt effectors mTOR and S6 in a type 4 secretion system (T4SS)-independent manner in AGS cells. We observed that the activation of these molecules was dependent on PI3K and the Src family tyrosine kinases. Furthermore, H. pylori induced the phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 and eIF4E and suppressed the phosphorylation of eEF2, which are important regulators of protein synthesis. Inhibition of PI3K and Akt kinase prevented the phosphorylation of 4E-BP1, suggesting that PI3K signalling is involved in the regulation of translation initiation during H. pylori infection. Metabolic labelling showed that infected cells had higher rates of [(35)S]methionine/cysteine incorporation, and this effect could be prevented using LY294002, an PI3K inhibitor. Thus, H. pylori activates PI3K/Akt signalling, mTOR, eIFs and protein translation, which might impact H. pylori-related gastric pathophysiology. | 25,194,338 | [
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0.3951955,
-0.04105333,
0.3559326,
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-0.1413877,
-0.3801918,
-0.146011,
-0.2248026,
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-0.3499857,
0.00009260004,
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0.1849534,
-0.1554491,
-0.3... |
Vibrationally specific photoionization cross sections of acrolein leading to the X̃²A' ionic state. | The vibrational branching ratios in the photoionization of acrolein for ionization leading to the X̃²A' ion state were studied. Computed logarithmic derivatives of the cross section and the corresponding experimental data derived from measured vibrational branching ratios for several normal modes (ν9, ν10, ν11, and ν12) were found to be in relatively good agreement, particularly for the lower half of the 11-100 eV photon energy range considered. Two shape resonances have been found near photon energies of 15.5 and 23 eV in the photoionization cross section and have been demonstrated to originate from the partial cross section of the A' scattering symmetry. The wave functions computed at the resonance complex energies are delocalized over the whole molecule. By looking at the dependence of the cross section on the different normal mode displacements together with the wave function at the resonant energy, a qualitative explanation is given for the change of the cross sections with respect to changing geometry. | 25,194,366 | [
-0.07302733,
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0.1627082,
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0.00005123614,
0.2069797,
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HM⁺ and HM⁺‑He (M = Group 2 metal): chemical or physical interactions? | We investigate the HM(+)‑He complexes (M = Group 2 metal) using quantum chemistry. Equilibrium geometries are linear for M = Be and Mg, and bent for M = Ca-Ra; the explanation for this lies in the differing nature of the highest occupied molecular orbitals in the two sets of complexes. The difference primarily occurs as a result of the formation of the H-M(+) bond, and so the HM(+) diatomics are also studied as part of the present work. The position of the He atom in the complexes is largely determined by the form of the electron density. HM(+)…He binding energies are obtained and are surprisingly high for a helium complex. The HBe(+)…He value is almost 3000 cm(-1), which is high enough to suspect contributions from chemical bonding. This is explored by examining the natural orbital density and by population analyses. | 25,194,371 | [
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0.1205409,
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... |
Real space pseudopotential calculations for size trends in Ga- and Al-doped zinc oxide nanocrystals with wurtzite and zincblende structures. | Zinc oxide is often used as a popular inexpensive transparent conducting oxide. Here, we employ density functional theory and local density approximation to examine the effects of quantum confinement in doped nanocrystals of this material. Specifically, we examine the addition of Ga and Al dopants to ZnO nanocrystals on the order of 1.0 nm. We find that the inclusion of these dopants is energetically less favorable in smaller particles and that the electron binding energy, which is associated with the dopant activation, decreases with the nanocrystal size. We find that the introduction of impurities does not alter significantly the Kohn-Sham eigenspectrum for small nanocrystals of ZnO. The added electron occupies the lowest existing state, i.e., no new bound state is introduced in the gap. We verify this assertion with hybrid functional calculations. | 25,194,374 | [
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0.03488235,
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0.1885757,
0.02886326,
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Epitaxial growth and electronic properties of well ordered phthalocyanine heterojunctions MnPc/F₁₆CoPc. | We have prepared phthalocyanine heterojunctions out of MnPc and F16CoPc, which were studied by means of X-ray absorption spectroscopy. This heterojunction is characterized by a charge transfer at the interface, resulting in charged MnPc(δ +) and F16CoPc(δ -) species. Our data reveal that the molecules are well ordered and oriented parallel to the substrate surface. Furthermore, we demonstrate the filling of the Co 3d(z(2)) orbital due to the charge transfer, which supports the explanation of the density functional theory, that the charge transfer is local and affects the metal centers only. | 25,194,385 | [
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Mitochondrion and its role in diabetic nephropathy. | Diabetic nephropathy is a major cause of end-stage renal disease throughout the world. Elevated oxidative stress in diabetic patients results from overproduction of reactive oxygen species and decreased efficiency of antioxidant defenses. Moreover, diabetes-associated metabolic disorders impair activities of enzymes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex. Therefore, oxidative stress is closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction. This paper reviews studies of mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy. | 25,194,400 | [
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0.02128674,
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0.2452139,
0.128554,
0.03625085,
-0.02337283,
0.2225655,
0.00509589... |
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