title stringlengths 0 901 | abstract stringlengths 3 9.89k | PMID int64 22 25.3M | embedding listlengths 768 768 |
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Silencing of STRN4 suppresses the malignant characteristics of cancer cells. | The striatin family of proteins, comprising STRN, STRN3 and STRN4, are multidomain-containing proteins that associate with additional proteins to form a large protein complex. We previously reported that STRN4 directly associated with protein kinases, such as MINK1, TNIK and MAP4K4, which are associated with tumor suppression or tumor progression. However, it remains unclear whether STRN4 is associated with tumor progression. In this report, we examined the role that STRN4 plays in cancer malignancy. We show that depletion of STRN4 suppresses proliferation, migration, invasion and the anchorage-independent growth of cancer cells. In addition, STRN4 knockdown increases the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine. Finally, we show that STRN4 knockdown suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells in mice. Our results demonstrate a possible role of STRN4 in tumor progression. | 25,250,919 | [
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Pharmacoepidemiological assessment of drug interactions with vitamin K antagonists. | We present a database of prescription drugs and international normalized ratio (INR) data and the applied methodology for its use to assess drug-drug interactions with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). We use the putative interaction between VKAs and tramadol as a case study. We used a self-controlled case series to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) comparing the rate of INR measurements of ≥4.0 in concomitant tramadol and VKA-exposed periods to VKA-only-exposed periods. Secondary analyses considered specific subgroups, alternative exposure criteria, alternative outcome definitions, and other drugs. We identified 513 VKA users with at least 1 INR measurement ≥4.0 and concomitant tramadol and VKA exposure during the observation period. The overall IRR was 1.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-2.10), with a stronger association among users of phenprocoumon compared to warfarin (IRR, 3.37; 95%CI, 2.50-4.53 and IRR, 1.46; 95%CI, 1.20-1.76, respectively). We observed larger IRRs with stricter outcome definitions. Concomitant tramadol and VKA exposure was also associated with an increased rate of low INR measurements (i.e., <1.5; IRR, 1.70; 95%CI, 1.37-2.13). Morphine and, to some extent, oxycodone, penicillin, beta-blockers, and inhaled beta-agonists were associated with high INR. The approach successfully identified an interaction between tramadol and VKA. However, associations observed for other drugs with no known VKA interaction suggest that the current approach may have too low specificity to be useful as a screening tool, at least for drugs for which time-varying confounding may be present. | 25,250,949 | [
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Biogeography and phylogenetic position of a warm-stenotherm centric diatom, Skeletonema potamos (C.I. Weber) hasle and its long-term dynamics in the River Danube. | Skeletonema potamos is a poorly known freshwater species in the ancestrally and predominantly marine genus Skeletonema. With phylogenetic analysis of two nuclear {partial SSU (18S) and partial LSU (28S) rDNA)} and two chloroplast (rbcL and psbC) genes, we verified its placement within the genus Skeletonema and identified the mostly brackish species, Skeletonema subsalsum, as its closest known relative. Comparisons of SSU and LSU rRNA genes from S. potamos populations from Europe and North America revealed no intraspecific variation. Skeletonema potamos can be a dominant element of the phytoplankton community in various ecosystems, including the River Danube. We tracked phytoplankton composition in the River Danube weekly from 1979 to 2 012, and throughout this period, S. potamos exhibited a strong increase in proportion of total phytoplankton abundance and biomass - an increase that was correlated with increasing water temperature over the same time period. Current records indicate a temperate distribution of S. potamos, but ecological data predict possible expansion of its geographic range and increase in seasonal duration within existing habitats in response to the warming of surface waters. | 25,250,953 | [
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Identification of a novel missense mutation in the WFS1 gene as a cause of autosomal dominant nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss in all-frequencies. | Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder affecting 278 million people in the world, and more than 60% of hearing loss patients can be attributed to genetic causes. Although many loci have been linked to hereditary hearing impairment, most of the causative genes have not been identified as yet. The goal of this study was to investigate the cause of dominantly inherited sensorineural all-frequency hearing loss in a six-generation Chinese family. We performed exome sequencing to screen responsible candidate genes in three family members with all-frequency hearing loss and one member with normal hearing. Sanger sequencing was employed to examine the variant mutations in the members of this family and 200 healthy persons. PCR-RFLP was performed to further confirm the nucleotide mutation. A novel missense mutation c.2389G > A (GAC → AAC) in WFS1 gene was identified, which was co-segregated with the hearing loss phenotype. No mutation was found in 200 controls and the family members with normal hearing in this site. The present study identifies, for the first time, a novel mutation in WFS1 gene that causes non-syndromic hearing loss in all, rather than in low or high, frequencies. | 25,250,959 | [
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Can culture influence body-specific associations between space and valence? | People implicitly associate positive ideas with their dominant side of space and negative ideas with their non-dominant side. Right-handers tend to associate "good" with "right" and "bad" with "left," but left-handers associate "bad" with "right" and "good" with "left." Whereas right-handers' implicit associations align with idioms in language and culture that link "good" with "right," left-handers' implicit associations go against them. Can cultural conventions modulate the body-specific association between valence and left-right space? Here, we compared people from Spanish and Moroccan cultures, which differ in the strength of taboos against the use of the left hand, and therefore in their preference for the right. Results showed stronger explicit associations between space and valence in Moroccan participants than in Spaniards, but they did not show any increased tendency for right-handed Moroccans to associate "good" with "right" implicitly. Despite differences in cultural conventions between Spaniards and Moroccans, we find no evidence for a cross-cultural difference in the implicit association between space and valence, which appears to depend on patterns of bodily experience. | 25,250,987 | [
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Common questions about outpatient care of premature infants. | Preterm births (deliveries before 37 weeks' gestation) comprise 12% of all U.S. births and are responsible for onethird of all infant deaths. Neonatal medical advances have increased survival, and primary care physicians often care for infants who were in the neonatal intensive care unit after birth. Functions of the primary care physician include coordination of medical and social services, nutritional surveillance, and managing conditions associated with prematurity. Parental guidance and encouragement are often necessary to ensure appropriate feeding and infant weight gain. Enriched formula and nutrient fortifiers are used for infants with extrauterine growth restriction. Iron supplementation is recommended for breastfed infants, and iron-fortified formula for formula-fed infants. Screening for iron deficiency anemia in preterm infants should occur at four months of age and at nine to 12 months of age. Gastroesophageal reflux is best treated with nonpharmacologic options because medications provide no long-term benefits. Neurodevelopmental delay occurs in up to 50% of preterm infants. Developmental screening should be performed at every well-child visit. If developmental delay is suspected, more formalized testing may be required with appropriate referral. To prevent complications from respiratory syncytial virus infection, palivizumab is recommended in the first year of life during the respiratory syncytial virus season for all infants born before 29 weeks' gestation and for infants born between 29 and 32 weeks' gestation who have chronic lung disease. Most preterm infants have minimal longterm sequelae. | 25,250,998 | [
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Ammonium uptake by phytoplankton regulates nitrification in the sunlit ocean. | Nitrification, the microbial oxidation of ammonium to nitrate, is a central part of the nitrogen cycle. In the ocean's surface layer, the process alters the distribution of inorganic nitrogen species available to phytoplankton and produces nitrous oxide. A widely held idea among oceanographers is that nitrification is inhibited by light in the ocean. However, recent evidence that the primary organisms involved in nitrification, the ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), are present and active throughout the surface ocean has challenged this idea. Here we show, through field experiments coupling molecular genetic and biogeochemical approaches, that competition for ammonium with phytoplankton is the strongest regulator of nitrification in the photic zone. During multiday experiments at high irradiance a single ecotype of AOA remained active in the presence of rapidly growing phytoplankton. Over the course of this three day experiment, variability in the intensity of competition with phytoplankton caused nitrification rates to decline from those typical of the lower photic zone (60 nmol L-1 d-1) to those in well-lit layers (<1 nmol L-1 d-1). During another set of experiments, nitrification rates exhibited a diel periodicity throughout much of the photic zone, with the highest rates occurring at night when competition with phytoplankton is lowest. Together, the results of our experiments indicate that nitrification rates in the photic zone are more strongly regulated by competition with phytoplankton for ammonium than they are by light itself. This finding advances our ability to model the impact of nitrification on estimates of new primary production, and emphasizes the need to more strongly consider the effects of organismal interactions on nutrient standing stocks and biogeochemical cycling in the surface of the ocean. | 25,251,022 | [
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Molecular recognition study on the binding of calcium to calbindin D9k based on 3D reference interaction site model theory. | Ca(2+)-binding proteins are widely distributed throughout cells and play various important roles. Calbindin D9k is a member of the EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding protein family. In this study, we examined the binding of Ca(2+) to calbindin D9k in terms of the free energy of solvation, as obtained by 3D reference interaction site model theory, which describes the statistical mechanics of liquids. We also investigated the main structural biological factor using spatial decomposition analysis in which the solvation free energy values are decomposed into the residue. We found some characteristic residues that contribute to stabilization of the holo-structure (Ca(2+)-binding structure). These results indicated that, in the holo-structure, these residues are newly exposed to solvent. Subsequently, the gain in solvation free energy, involving a conformational change and exposure to solvent, forms the driving force for binding of the Ca(2+) ion to the EF-hand. | 25,251,030 | [
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Improving outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first relapse: a single center experience. | The outcome of patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unsatisfactory, with few available effective therapies. Increased understanding of the biology of the disease has led to the identification of novel therapeutic agents, several of which have been evaluated in recently conducted clinical trials. We sought to determine whether the introduction of these agents as well as modern supportive care measures has already translated to better outcomes. We examined the outcomes of 1,056 patients with AML in first relapse treated between January 1993 and December 2013 at our institution. As previously reported, the independent prognostic factors for survival after first relapse included age at relapse, cytogenetics, and duration of first complete remission. Upon multivariable analysis, treatment era was an independent predictor of survival, with significant improvement in overall survival between 2008 and 2013 as compared to prior time periods. Modern supportive care measures as well as participation in clinical trials of novel agents are already improving the outcomes in first relapse. | 25,251,041 | [
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Energy Expenditure in Institutionalized Older Adults: Validation of SenseWear Mini. | Objective methods to quantify physical activity (PA) and predict energy expenditure (EE) are needed in the old and old-old. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the validity of EE estimates by the SenseWear Mini (SWMini) compared with indirect calorimetry during daily life activities in institutionalized older adults. Sixty nursing home residents (mean age = 85.5 ± 5.5 yr) wore the SWMini during rest (sitting quietly) and three activity tasks (walking, sitting/rising/walking, and moving objects). SWMini data were processed using software version 7.0. The criterion EE (kcal·min⁻¹) was estimated by a portable gas analyzer, Oxycon Mobile (OM). The analyses revealed high correlations (rsitting = 0.68, ractivity tasks = 0.88) between EE estimated by OM and SWMini. EE increased between sitting periods and activity tasks for EE estimated by OM (mean difference = 61.5% ± 8.9%), as well as for EE estimated by SWMini (mean difference = 58.2% ± 7.4%) (P < 0.001). However, SWMini significantly underestimated EE, with an overall absolute percent error of 14.1% ± 7.9%. The largest absolute percent differences were observed during sitting periods compared with activity tasks (P < 0.05). Older age significantly reduced accuracy, explaining 12% of the variance in total percent error (β = 0.42, t = 2.84, P < 0.05). The high percent error scores indicate that the SWMini is of limited value for quantifying EE in the old and old-old. The accuracy could be improved by developing accurate age- and activity-specific algorithms. On the other hand, the SWMini can be used as a suitable device for researchers interested in specific levels and patterns of PA and sedentary behavior. | 25,251,046 | [
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Strength fitness and body weight status on markers of cardiometabolic health. | Recent evidence suggests that resistance training (RT) may reduce metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk. We investigated whether overweight/class I obese individuals by BMI classification with high strength fitness exhibit cardiovascular/metabolic phenotypes similar to those overweight/obese and untrained or those normal-weight with high strength fitness. A total of 90 young males were categorized into three groups: overweight untrained (OU, n = 30, BMI > 27 kg·m⁻²), overweight trained (OT, n = 30, BMI > 27 kg·m⁻², RT ≥ 4 d·wk⁻¹), and normal-weight trained (NT, n = 30, BMI < 25 kg·m⁻², RT ≥ 4 d·wk⁻¹). Participants were assessed for strength, body composition, central/peripheral blood pressures, arterial stiffness, and markers of cardiovascular and metabolic health. Body weight was similar in OT and OU and greater than NT (P < 0.00001), and fat mass was different in all groups (P < 0.001). Compared to OU, NT and OT groups exhibited higher relative strength (NT = 46.7%, OT = 44.4%, P < 0.00001), subendocardial viability ratio (NT = 21.0%, P < 0.001; OT = 17.0%, P < 0.01), and lower brachial/central blood pressures (NT P < 0.001; OT P ≤ 0.05); augmentation index and pulse-wave velocity were lower only in OT (P < 0.05). Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (NT P < 0.01, OT P < 0.05), triglycerides (NT = -50.4%, OT = -41.8%, P < 0.001), oxidized LDL (NT = -39.8%, OT = -31.8%, P < 0.001), and CRP (NT = -63.7%, OT = -67.4%, P < 0.01) levels were lower and high-density lipoprotein (NT = 26.9%, OT = 21.4%, P < 0.001) levels were higher in NT and OT compared to OU. NT and OT also exhibited lower amylin (NT = -55.8%, OT = -40.8%) and leptin (NT = -84.6%, OT = -59.4%) and higher adiponectin (NT = 87.5%, P < 0.001; OT = 78.1%, P < 0.01) and sex hormone-binding globulin (NT = 124.4%, OT = 92.3%, P < 0.001). Despite greater total and trunk fat in OT compared with NT, other than glucose and insulin, which were lower in NT than in both OT and OU (OT P < 0.01, OU P < 0.001), OT did not exhibit any impaired biomarker/phenotype compared to NT. These findings provide evidence that overweight/class I obese individuals with high strength fitness exhibit metabolic/cardiovascular risk profiles similar to normal-weight, fit individuals rather than overweight/class I obese unfit individuals. Strength training may be important to metabolic and cardiovascular health. | 25,251,047 | [
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Small heat shock proteins (HSP12, HSP20 and HSP30) play a role in Ustilago maydis pathogenesis. | Small heat shock proteins (HSP) have multiple functions within a cell. These functions primarily include regulation of growth and survival in response to different stresses. However in some cases small HSPs have been shown to play crucial roles in microbial pathogenesis. Ustilago maydis genome also codes for a number of small HSPs. In the present study we elucidate the role of U. maydis small HSPs in the pathogenicity as well as general stress response of the fungus. Through quantitative real time PCR analysis the expression levels of small HSP genes in comparison with other HSPs were assessed both during infection of the host plant Zea mays and when the pathogen was subjected to an abiotic stress such as oxidative stress. This study revealed that contrary to other HSPs, small HSPs showed an increased level of differential expression under both the tested conditions, indicating a possible role of small HSPs in the pathogenicity and stress response of U. maydis This has been further confirmed by generation of deletion and complementation strains of three putative small HSPs. | 25,251,081 | [
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Finger movement function after ultrasound-guided percutaneous pulley release for trigger finger: effects of postoperative rehabilitation. | To develop and test a postoperative rehabilitation protocol for use by individuals with trigger finger undergoing ultrasound-guided percutaneous pulley release. Nonrandomized controlled trial. Hospital and local community. Individuals suffering from trigger finger with joint contracture (N=21) were recruited and grouped into an intervention group (n=9) or a control group (n=12). All the participants underwent the same surgical procedure performed by the same surgeon. A 4-week postoperative rehabilitation program was designed based on the wound healing process. The intervention group received postoperative rehabilitation after the surgery, whereas the control group received no treatment after the surgery. The finger movement functions were quantitatively evaluated before and 1 month after the surgery using a 3-dimensional motion capture system. The fingertip workspace and joint range of motion (ROM) were evaluated while the participant was performing a sequential 5-posture movement, including finger extension, intrinsic plus, straight fist, full fist, and hook fist. The intervention group demonstrated significantly more improvements than the control group in the fingertip workspace (49% vs 17%), ROM of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint (16% vs 4%), ROM of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint (21% vs 5%), and total active ROM (17% vs 5%). This pilot study evaluated a postoperative rehabilitation protocol for trigger finger and demonstrated its effects on various finger functions. Participants who underwent the rehabilitation program had significantly more improvements in the fingertip workspace, ROM of the DIP and PIP joints, and total active ROM. | 25,251,102 | [
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Studying nursing interventions in acutely ill, cognitively impaired older adults. | Although it increases the risk of poor outcomes and raises the costs of care, cognitive impairment in hospitalized older adults is often neither accurately identified nor well managed. In conducting a two-phase, comparative-effectiveness clinical trial of the effects of three nursing interventions-augmented standard care, resource nurse care, and the transitional care model-on hospitalized older adults with cognitive deficits, a team of researchers encountered several challenges. For example, in assessing potential subjects for the study, they found that nearly half of those assessed had cognitive impairment, yet many family caregivers could not be identified or had no interest in participating in the study. One lesson the researchers learned was that research involving cognitively impaired older adults must actively engage clinicians, patients, and family caregivers, as well as address the complex process of managing postdischarge care. | 25,251,126 | [
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Role of actin filaments in correlating nuclear shape and cell spreading. | It is well known that substrate properties like stiffness and adhesivity influence stem cell morphology and differentiation. Recent experiments show that cell morphology influences nuclear geometry and hence gene expression profile. The mechanism by which surface properties regulate cell and nuclear properties is only beginning to be understood. Direct transmission of forces as well as chemical signalling are involved in this process. Here, we investigate the formal aspect by studying the correlation between cell spreading and nuclear deformation using Mesenchymal stem cells under a wide variety of conditions. It is observed that a robust quantitative relation holds between the cell and nuclear projected areas, irrespective of how the cell area is modified or when various cytoskeletal or nuclear components are perturbed. By studying the role of actin stress fibers in compressing the nucleus we propose that nuclear compression by stress fibers can lead to enhanced cell spreading due to an interplay between elastic and adhesion factors. The significance of myosin-II in regulating this process is also explored. We demonstrate this effect using a simple technique to apply external compressive loads on the nucleus. | 25,251,154 | [
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A surface coordination network based on copper adatom trimers. | Surface coordination networks formed by co-adsorption of metal atoms and organic ligands have interesting properties, for example regarding catalysis and data storage. Surface coordination networks studied to date have typically been based on single metal atom centers. The formation of a novel surface coordination network is now demonstrated that is based on network nodes in the form of clusters consisting of three Cu adatoms. The network forms by deposition of tetrahydroxybenzene (THB) on Cu(111) under UHV conditions. As shown from a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations, all four hydroxy groups of THB dehydrogenate upon thermal activation at 440 K. This highly reactive ligand binds to Cu adatom trimers, which are resolved by high-resolution STM. The network creates an ordered array of mono-dispersed metal clusters constituting a two-dimensional analogue of metal-organic frameworks. | 25,251,167 | [
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0.1712447,
0.1509672,
0.3544683,
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Validation of the supplemented Spetzler-Martin grading system for brain arteriovenous malformations in a multicenter cohort of 1009 surgical patients. | The supplementary grading system for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) was introduced in 2010 as a tool for improving preoperative risk prediction and selecting surgical patients. To demonstrate in this multicenter validation study that supplemented Spetzler-Martin (SM-Supp) grades have greater predictive accuracy than Spetzler-Martin (SM) grades alone. Data collected from 1009 AVM patients who underwent AVM resection were used to compare the predictive powers of SM and SM-Supp grades. Patients included the original 300 University of California, San Francisco patients plus those treated thereafter (n = 117) and an additional 592 patients from 3 other centers. In the combined cohort, the SM-Supp system performed better than SM system alone: area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUROC) = 0.75 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.78) for SM-Supp and AUROC = 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.73) for SM (P < .001). Stratified analysis fitting models within 3 different follow-up groupings (<6 months, 6 months-2 years, and >2 years) demonstrated that the SM-Supp system performed better than SM system for both medium (AUROC = 0.71 vs 0.62; P = .003) and long (AUROC = 0.69 vs 0.58; P = .001) follow-up. Patients with SM-Supp grades ≤6 had acceptably low surgical risks (0%-24%), with a significant increase in risk for grades >6 (39%-63%). This study validates the predictive accuracy of the SM-Supp system in a multicenter cohort. An SM-Supp grade of 6 is a cutoff or boundary for AVM operability. Supplemented grading is currently the best method of estimating neurological outcomes after AVM surgery, and we recommend it as a starting point in the evaluation of AVM operability. | 25,251,197 | [
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Porous molecular crystals by macrocyclic coordination supramolecules. | In this study, we show how the combination of metal ions, counter-anions and opportunely functionalized and preorganized ligands gives rise to two distinct supramolecular isomers, coordination polymeric chains and hexameric macrocycles. The hexamers then aggregate to form a cubic structure exhibiting permanent microporosity. The supramolecular assemblies are formed with Ag(+), thioether functionalized bis(pirazolyl)methane ligands and CF3SO3(-)/PF6(-) as the counter-anions. Five different ligands were prepared by modifying the peripheral thioether moiety with naphthyl, methoxy, m-Me, p-Me and F groups (L(SNf), L(SPhOMe), L(SPhm-Me), L(SPhp-Me), and L(SPhF)). Helicoidal coordination polymeric chains are formed with CF3SO3(-) (general formula [Ag(L)]n(CF3SO3)n), whereas macrocyclic hexamers are formed with PF6(-) (general formula [Ag(L)]6(PF6)6). The macrocycles self-assemble into ordered capsules with the shape of a tetrahedron, and the overall framework is sustained by Ag(+)···(PF6(-))···Ag(+) contacts. The capsules generate a highly symmetric structural arrangement, which is characterized by permanent microporosity arising from two distinct types of microporous chambers in the structure. The gas absorption isotherms show that the materials can selectively adsorb CO2 and N2O over CH4 and N2. The modulation of the microporosity of the materials is achieved by the different thioether functionalization of the ligands L(SNf), L(SPhOMe), L(SPhm-Me), and L(SPhF). The diffusion and localization of the gas molecules within the cavities were investigated by 2D (1)H-(13)C solid state NMR on samples loaded with enriched (13)CO2, showing that both types of cavities are accessible to guest molecules from the gas phase. | 25,251,200 | [
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Risk factors for complications of pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. | Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is recommended as treatment for stones in chronic pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for complications of pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (P-ESWL). Patients with painful chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic stones (> 5 mm diameter) who were treated with P-ESWL between March 2011 and June 2013 were prospectively included. Adverse events after P-ESWL were classified as complications and transient adverse events, depending on severity. The major complications of P-ESWL included post-ESWL pancreatitis, bleeding, infection, steinstrasse, and perforation. Multivariate analyses based on univariate analysis were performed to detect risk factors of overall and moderate-to-severe complications. A total of 634 patients underwent 1470 P-ESWL procedures. The overall complication rate was 6.7 % of all procedures. Complications occurred in 62 patients (9.8 %) after the first ESWL procedure. The risk factors for complications were pancreas divisum (odds ratio [OR] 1.28) and the interval between diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and P-ESWL (OR 1.28). Protective factors were male sex (OR 0.50), diabetes (OR 0.45), and steatorrhea (OR 0.43). Male sex, the only identified predictor for moderate-to-severe complications, was a protective factor (OR 0.19). For the second P-ESWL procedure, complications occurred in 22/409 patients (5.4 %). Complication and asymptomatic hyperamylasemia after the first ESWL session were significantly associated with higher risk for complications after the second ESWL session (P < 0.05). Patient-related factors were important in determining a high risk of P-ESWL complications when no procedure-related factors were identified. Patients suffering from complications after the first ESWL session were also likely to experience complications in subsequent P-ESWL sessions. | 25,251,205 | [
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Effect of virtual reality-based rehabilitation on upper-extremity function in patients with brain tumor: controlled trial. | The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of virtual reality-based rehabilitation on upper-extremity function in patients with brain tumor. Patients with upper-extremity dysfunction were divided into age-matched and tumor type-matched two groups. The intervention group performed the virtual reality program 30 mins per session for 9 sessions and conventional occupational therapy 30 mins per session for 6 sessions for 3 wks, whereas the control group received conventional occupational therapy alone 30 mins per session for 15 sessions for 3 wks. The Box and Block test, the Manual Function test, and the Fugl-Meyer scale were used to evaluate upper-extremity function. The Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index was used to assess activities of daily living. Forty patients completed the study (20 for each group). Each group exhibited significant posttreatment improvements in the Box and Block test, Manual Function test, Fugl-Meyer scale, and Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index scores. The Box and Block test, the Fugl-Meyer scale, and the Manual Function test showed greater improvements in shoulder/elbow/forearm function in the intervention group and hand function in the control group. Virtual reality-based rehabilitation combined with conventional occupational therapy may be more effective than conventional occupational therapy, especially for proximal upper-extremity function in patients with brain tumor. Further studies considering hand function, such as use of virtual reality programs that targeting hand use, are required. | 25,251,249 | [
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Factors related to injury in youth and adolescent baseball pitching, with an eye toward prevention. | The baseball and medical communities have recognized injuries of the upper extremity associated with the overhead throwing motion and have examined manners in which to reduce risk. The authors examine special features of the adolescent pitcher as compared with skeletally mature pitchers and characteristics of pitch mechanics, type, velocity, fatigue, and overuse. A summary is presented on previously identified risk factors as they relate to pitching injuries. Development, use, and compliance with the most current pitching guidelines in youth baseball, based on the available evidence, will be presented and examined. In an increasingly competitive environment, identifying known risk factors and potential signs of pathology as well as implementing the current best evidence in a consistent manner are important steps in decreasing injury risk of youth baseball pitchers. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of pitching guidelines in the short and long term and to focus on manners in which to increase compliance with best practice procedures throughout youth baseball organizations. | 25,251,251 | [
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Inpatient rehabilitation experience of children with burn injuries: a 10-yr review of the uniform data system for medical rehabilitation. | This study aimed to describe the pediatric burn inpatient rehabilitation population and short-term functional outcomes using the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation. This is a secondary analysis of data from the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation database between 2002 and 2011 included children younger than 18 yrs at time of admission to inpatient rehabilitation with primary diagnosis of burn injury. Demographic, medical, and functional data were evaluated. Function was assessed with the Functional Independence Measure or the WeeFIM. A total of 509 children were included, of whom 124 were evaluated with Functional Independence Measure and 385 with WeeFIM. The mean age of the population was 8.6 yrs and most were boys (72%). The mean length of stay for the population was 35 days. Functional status improved significantly from admission to discharge; most gains were in the motor subscore. Most patients were discharged home (95%). Of those discharged home, most (96%) went home with family. Children receiving multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation make significant functional improvements in total functional scores and in both motor and cognitive subscores. Most patients are discharged home with family. This study advances understanding of pediatric burn post-acute care outcomes. | 25,251,252 | [
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Enzymatic and cryoreduction EPR studies of the hydroxylation of methylated N(ω)-hydroxy-L-arginine analogues by nitric oxide synthase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus. | Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) catalyzes the conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline and NO in a two-step process involving the intermediate N(ω)-hydroxy-L-arginine (NHA). It was shown that Cpd I is the oxygenating species for L-arginine; the hydroperoxo ferric intermediate is the reactive intermediate with NHA. Methylation of the N(ω)-OH and N(ω)-H of NHA significantly inhibits the conversion of NHA into NO and L-citrulline by mammalian NOS. Kinetic studies now show that N(ω)-methylation of NHA has a qualitatively similar effect on H₂O₂-dependent catalysis by bacterial gsNOS. To elucidate the effect of methylating N(ω)-hydroxy L-arginine on the properties and reactivity of the one-electron-reduced oxy-heme center of NOS, we have applied cryoreduction/annealing/EPR/ENDOR techniques. Measurements of solvent kinetic isotope effects during 160 K cryoannealing cryoreduced oxy-gsNOS/NHA confirm the hydroperoxo ferric intermediate as the catalytically active species of step two. Product analysis for cryoreduced samples with methylated NHA's, NHMA, NMOA, and NMMA, annealed to 273 K, show a correlation of yields of L-citrulline with the intensity of the g 2.26 EPR signal of the peroxo ferric species trapped at 77 K, which converts to the reactive hydroperoxo ferric state. There is also a correlation between the yield of L-citrulline in these experiments and k(obs) for the H₂O₂-dependent conversion of the substrates by gsNOS. Correspondingly, no detectable amount of cyanoornithine, formed when Cpd I is the reactive species, was found in the samples. Methylation of the NHA guanidinium N(ω)-OH and N(ω)-H inhibits the second NO-producing reaction by favoring protonation of the ferric-peroxo to form unreactive conformers of the ferric-hydroperoxo state. It is suggested that this is caused by modification of the distal-pocket hydrogen-bonding network of oxy gsNOS and introduction of an ordered water molecule that facilitates delivery of the proton(s) to the one-electron-reduced oxy-heme moiety. These results illustrate how variations in the properties of the substrate can modulate the reactivity of a monooxygenase. | 25,251,261 | [
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Melatonin attenuates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by inhibiting the inflammation and the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. | Hypoxia-induced inflammation and excessive proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) play important roles in the pathological process of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH). Melatonin possesses anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. However, the effect of melatonin on HPH remains unclear. In this study, adult Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to intermittent chronic hypoxia for 4 wk to mimic a severe HPH condition. Hemodynamic and pulmonary pathomorphology data showed that chronic hypoxia significantly increased right ventricular systolic pressures (RVSP), weight of the right ventricle/left ventricle plus septum (RV/LV+S) ratio, and median width of pulmonary arterioles. Melatonin attenuated the elevation of RVSP, RV/LV+S, and mitigated the pulmonary vascular structure remodeling. Melatonin also suppressed the hypoxia-induced high expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In vitro, melatonin concentration-dependently inhibited the proliferation of PASMCs and the levels of phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinases1/2 (ERK1/2) caused by hypoxia. These results suggested that melatonin might potentially prevent HPH via anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative mechanisms. | 25,251,287 | [
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Anorexia nervosa and body fat distribution: a systematic review. | The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review of body fat distribution before and after partial and complete weight restoration in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Literature searches, study selection, method development and quality appraisal were performed independently by two authors, and data was synthesized using a narrative approach. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria and were consequently analyzed. The review had five main findings. First, during anorexia nervosa adolescent females lose more central body fat, while adult females more peripheral fat. Second, partial weight restoration leads to greater fat mass deposition in the trunk region than other body regions in adolescent females. Third, after short-term weight restoration, whether partial or complete, adults show a central adiposity phenotype with respect to healthy age-matched controls. Fourth, central fat distribution is associated with increased insulin resistance, but does not adversely affect eating disorder psychopathology or cause psychological distress in female adults. Fifth, the abnormal central fat distribution seems to normalize after long-term maintenance of complete weight restoration, indicating that preferential central distribution of body fat is a transitory phenomenon. However, a discrepancy in the findings has been noted, especially between adolescents and adults; besides age and gender, these appear to be related to differences in the methodology and time of body composition assessments. The PROSPERO Registry-Anorexia Nervosa and Body Fat Distribution: A Systematic Review (CRD42014008738). | 25,251,296 | [
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Clinical significance of presence and extent of extrapancreatic necrosis in acute pancreatitis. | Extrapancreatic necrosis (EPN) alone represents a subgroup of pancreatitis with better outcome than patients with pancreatic parenchymal necrosis (PN). However, data on clinical significance of EPN is limited, and significance of the extent of EPN is not known. Two hundred thirteen patients (136 [63.8%] males; mean age: 39.8 ± 13.2 years) with acute pancreatitis were prospectively enrolled and followed up till recovery or death. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of each patient was retrospectively evaluated for presence of PN and EPN, pleural effusion and ascites. EPN was termed extensive if it extended to paracolic gutters or pelvis. Twenty-one (9.9%) patients had interstitial pancreatitis, seven (3.3%) patients had PN alone, 48 (22.5%) patients had EPN alone, and 137 (64.3%) patients had combined PN and EPN. Patients with EPN alone had significantly higher frequency of organ failure than patients with interstitial pancreatitis. Compared with patients with EPN alone, the patients with combined necrosis had significantly higher frequency of pleural effusion (88.2% vs. 75%), ascites (41% vs. 20.8%), and need for intervention (32.6% vs. 14.6%). Patients with extensive EPN (n = 57) had significantly higher frequency of pleural effusion, ascites, and multi-organ failure than those with limited EPN. EPN alone should be considered as a separate category of acute pancreatitis as it has less severe course than PN but has more severe course than interstitial pancreatitis. Patients with extensive EPN in spite of having increased frequency of ascites, pleural effusion, and multi-organ failure had similar outcome as compared to patients with limited EPN. | 25,251,298 | [
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Expression of corticosteroid-binding globulin CBG in the human heart. | Glucocorticoids are known to be involved in myocardial regeneration and destruction. Cardiomyocytes are mostly devoid of nuclear glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and it is generally assumed that effects of adrenal steroids in heart are mediated through the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Here we used immunocytochemistry to study localization of corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) in semithin sections of human cardiac tissue samples. With staining of consecutive sections we examined colocalization with GR and MR immunoreactivities. While GR staining was almost undetectable, a portion of myocytes with MR immunostained nuclei was found. Almost all cardiomyocytes exhibited CBG immunostaining in cytoplasm and on the cell membrane. Most pronounced CBG immunoreactivities were found in Purkinje fibers and in smooth muscle cells of arterial walls. With RT-PCR, we found in homogenates of cardiac tissue detectable levels of CBG encoding mRNA. Our findings indicate that CBG is expressed in human heart. Known cardiac effects of adrenal steroids may in part be mediated through the binding globulin and its putative membrane receptor in addition to nuclear steroid receptors and direct genomic action. Highlights of our study: Human cardiomyocytes express mineralocorticoid receptors, but are mostly free of nuclear glucocorticoid receptors. CBG is expressed in myocardium and in Purkinje fibers. CBG in heart is colocalized with mineralocorticoid receptor. Endothelia and smooth muscle cells of arterial walls show colocalization of CBG and MR. | 25,251,318 | [
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Prognostic factors for advanced-stage human immunodeficiency virus-associated classical Hodgkin lymphoma treated with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine plus combined antiretroviral therapy: a multi-institutional retrospective study. | The treatment and outcomes of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) continue to evolve. The International Prognostic Score (IPS) is used to predict the survival of patients with advanced-stage HL, but it has not been validated in patients with HIV infection. This was a multi-institutional, retrospective study of 229 patients with HIV-associated, advanced-stage, classical HL who received doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) plus combination antiretroviral therapy. Their clinical characteristics were presented descriptively, and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors that were predictive of response and prognostic of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The overall and complete response rates to ABVD in patients with HIV-associated HL were 91% and 83%, respectively. After a median follow-up of 5 years, the 5-year PFS and OS rates were 69% and 78%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, there was a trend toward an IPS score >3 as an adverse factor for PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.49; P=.15) and OS (HR, 1.84; P=.06). A cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4)-positive (T-helper) cell count <200 cells/μL was associated independently with both PFS (HR, 2.60; P=.002) and OS (HR, 2.04; P=.04). The CD4-positive cell count was associated with an increased incidence of death from other causes (HR, 2.64; P=.04) but not with death from HL-related causes (HR, 1.55; P=.32). The current results indicate excellent response and survival rates in patients with HIV-associated, advanced-stage, classical HL who receive ABVD and combination antiretroviral therapy as well as the prognostic value of the CD4-positive cell count at the time of lymphoma diagnosis for PFS and OS. | 25,251,326 | [
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Inhibition of cellular proliferation and enhancement of hydrogen peroxide production in fibrosarcoma cell line by weak radio frequency magnetic fields. | This study presents experimental data for the effects of weak radio frequency (RF) magnetic fields on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and cellular growth rates of fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells in vitro. Cells were exposed either to 45 µT static magnetic fields (SMFs)-oriented vertical to the plane of growth or to SMFs combined with weak 5 and 10 MHz RF magnetic fields of 10 µTRMS intensity perpendicular to the static field. Cell numbers were reduced up to 30% on Day 2 for the cells exposed to the combination of SMF and a 10 MHz RF magnetic field compared with the SMF control cells. In addition, cells exposed to 10 MHz RF magnetic fields for 8 h increased H2O2 production by 55%. The results demonstrate an overall magnetic field-induced biological effect that shows elevated H2O2 levels with accompanying decrease in cellular growth rates. | 25,251,337 | [
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Genetic and epigenetic changes in chromosomally stable and unstable progeny of irradiated cells. | Radiation induced genomic instability is a well-studied phenomenon, the underlying mechanisms of which are poorly understood. Persistent oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, elevated cytokine levels and epigenetic changes are among the mechanisms invoked in the perpetuation of the phenotype. To determine whether epigenetic aberrations affect genomic instability we measured DNA methylation, mRNA and microRNA (miR) levels in well characterized chromosomally stable and unstable clonally expanded single cell survivors of irradiation. While no changes in DNA methylation were observed for the gene promoters evaluated, increased LINE-1 methylation was observed for two unstable clones (LS12 and CS9) and decreased Alu element methylation was observed for the other two unstable clones (115 and Fe5.0-8). These relationships also manifested for mRNA and miR expression. mRNA identified for the LS12 and CS9 clones were most similar to each other (261 mRNA), while the 115 and Fe5.0-8 clones were more similar to each other, and surprisingly also similar to the two stable clones, 114 and 118 (286 mRNA among these four clones). Pathway analysis showed enrichment for pathways involved in mitochondrial function and cellular redox, themes routinely invoked in genomic instability. The commonalities between the two subgroups of clones were also observed for miR. The number of miR for which anti-correlated mRNA were identified suggests that these miR exert functional effects in each clone. The results demonstrate significant genetic and epigenetic changes in unstable cells, but similar changes are almost as equally common in chromosomally stable cells. Possible conclusions might be that the chromosomally stable clones have some other form of instability, or that some of the observed changes represent a sort of radiation signature and that other changes are related to genomic instability. Irrespective, these findings again suggest that a spectrum of changes both drive genomic instability and permit unstable cells to persist and proliferate. | 25,251,398 | [
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0.1937627,
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On-demand shape and size purification of nanoparticle based on surface area. | In order to overcome the serious deficiencies of the traditional aqueous centrifugation method in on-demand purification of metal nanoparticles, we have theoretically and experimentally developed a simple purification method based on the nanoparticles' surface area discrepancy, which can separate particles with the same mass but different shapes. As an example, we apply this method to obtain on demand homogeneous Au triangular nanoplates, and tune the plasmon modes of Au nanoplates into resonance with the emission of quantum dots to achieve fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between them. Moreover, due to their high homogeneity, the purified Au triangular nanoplates exhibit an excellent sensitivity to refractive index, as high as 963 nm RIU(-1) (approaching the theoretical value of 982 nm RIU(-1)), which leads to high gauging accuracy, up to 80 ppb and 1.0 U, for sensing bovine serum albumin and DNA polymerase in solution, respectively. Our work introduces a facile, effective strategy for the separation of nanoparticles, which could obtain building blocks with scalable uniform nanosize, providing a path to precise control of metal nanoparticle's plasmon modes and efficient fabrication of nanodevices. | 25,251,421 | [
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Evaluation of electric field distribution in electromagnetic stimulation of human femoral head. | Electromagnetic stimulation is a common therapy used to support bone healing in the case of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. In the present study, we investigated a bipolar induction screw system with an integrated coil. The aim was to analyse the influence of the screw parameters on the electric field distribution in the human femoral head. In addition, three kinds of design parameters (the shape of the screw tip, position of the screw in the femoral head, and size of the screw insulation) were varied. The electric field distribution in the bone was calculated using the finite element software Comsol Multiphysics. Moreover, a validation experiment was set up for an identical bone specimen with an implanted screw. The electric potential of points inside and on the surface of the bone were measured and compared to numerical data. The electric field distribution within the bone was clearly changed by the different implant parameters. Repositioning the screw by a maximum of 10 mm and changing the insulation length by a maximum of 4 mm resulted in electric field volume changes of 16% and 7%, respectively. By comparing the results of numerical simulation with the data of the validation experiment, on average, the electric potential difference of 19% and 24% occurred when the measuring points were at a depth of approximately 5 mm within the femoral bone and directly on the surface of the femoral bone, respectively. The results of the numerical simulations underline that the electro-stimulation treatment of bone in clinical applications can be influenced by the implant parameters. | 25,251,424 | [
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... |
Sonographic characteristics of thymoma compared with mediastinal lymphoma. | Thymomas are uncommon neoplasms that are typically located in the cranioventral mediastinum in domestic species, which generally affects older animals. Medical records and sonograms of 50 animals diagnosed with either mediastinal thymoma (n = 35) or lymphoma (n = 15) between January 2005 and February 2012 were reviewed. Cases with definitive cytological and/or histological diagnoses of either thymoma or lymphoma were included in this study. Masses were characterized by echogenicity, presence or absence of cysts, shape, margination, vascularity, and presence of effusion. Many thymomas (57.1%) were sonographically cystic in appearance and nearly all were heterogeneous (94%) in echogenicity compared with lymphoma (P = .0028). Lymphomatous lymph nodes were more likely to be solid (80%) and were equally divided between hypoechoic (47%) and heterogeneous (53%) echogenicities. Sonographic findings of either internal cysts or a heterogeneous echogenicity in mediastinal masses may be suggestive of a thymoma. | 25,251,427 | [
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Mechanisms controlling arsenic uptake in rice grown in mining impacted regions in South China. | Foods produced on soils impacted by Pb-Zn mining activities are a potential health risk due to plant uptake of the arsenic (As) associated with such mining. A field survey was undertaken in two Pb-Zn mining-impacted paddy fields in Guangdong Province, China to assess As accumulation and translocation, as well as other factors influencing As in twelve commonly grown rice cultivars. The results showed that grain As concentrations in all the surveyed rice failed national food standards, irrespective of As speciation. Among the 12 rice cultivars, "SY-89" and "DY-162" had the least As in rice grain. No significant difference for As concentration in grain was observed between the rice grown in the two areas that differed significantly for soil As levels, suggesting that the amount of As contamination in the soil is not necessarily the overriding factor controlling the As content in the rice grain. The iron and manganese plaque on the root surface curtailed As accumulation in rice roots. Based on our results, the accumulation of As within rice plants was strongly associated with such soil properties such as silicon, phosphorus, organic matter, pH, and clay content. Understanding the factors and mechanisms controlling As uptake is important to develop mitigation measures that can reduce the amount of As accumulated in rice grains produced on contaminated soils. | 25,251,438 | [
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White and grey matter changes in the language network during healthy aging. | Neural structures change with age but there is no consensus on the exact processes involved. This study tested the hypothesis that white and grey matter in the language network changes during aging according to a "last in, first out" process. The fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter and cortical thickness of grey matter were measured in 36 participants whose ages ranged from 55 to 79 years. Within the language network, the dorsal pathway connecting the mid-to-posterior superior temporal cortex (STC) and the inferior frontal cortex (IFC) was affected more by aging in both FA and thickness than the other dorsal pathway connecting the STC with the premotor cortex and the ventral pathway connecting the mid-to-anterior STC with the ventral IFC. These results were independently validated in a second group of 20 participants whose ages ranged from 50 to 73 years. The pathway that is most affected during aging matures later than the other two pathways (which are present at birth). The results are interpreted as showing that the neural structures which mature later are affected more than those that mature earlier, supporting the "last in, first out" theory. | 25,251,441 | [
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Probing the dynamics of plasmon-excited hexanethiol-capped gold nanoparticles by picosecond X-ray absorption spectroscopy. | Picosecond X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is used to investigate the electronic and structural dynamics initiated by plasmon excitation of 1.8 nm diameter Au nanoparticles (NPs) functionalised with 1-hexanethiol. We show that 100 ps after photoexcitation the transient XAS spectrum is consistent with an 8% expansion of the Au-Au bond length and a large increase in disorder associated with melting of the NPs. Recovery of the ground state occurs with a time constant of ∼1.8 ns, arising from thermalisation with the environment. Simulations reveal that the transient spectrum exhibits no signature of charge separation at 100 ps and allows us to estimate an upper limit for the quantum yield (QY) of this process to be <0.1. | 25,251,452 | [
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Effect of nasal speaking valve on speech intelligibility under velopharyngeal incompetence: a questionnaire survey. | Velopharyngeal incompetence is known as a contributing factor to speech disorders. Suwaki et al. reported that nasal speaking valve (NSV) could improve dysarthria by regulating nasal emission utilising one-way valve. However, disease or condition which would be susceptible to treatment by NSV has not been clarified yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of NSV by questionnaire survey using ready-made NSV. Subjects were recruited through the internet bulletin, and NSV survey set was sent to the applicant. Sixty-six participants, who agreed to participate in this study, used NSV and mailed back the questionnaire which included self-evaluation and third-party evaluation of speech intelligibility. Statistical analysis revealed that the use of NSV resulted in significant speech intelligibility improvement in both self-evaluation and third-party evaluation (P < 0·01). Regarding the type of underlying disease of dysarthria, significant effect of NSV on self-evaluation of speech intelligibility could be observed in cerebrovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease (P < 0·01) and that on third-party evaluation in neurodegenerative disease (P < 0·01). Eighty-six percent of subjects showed improvement of speech intelligibility by shutting up nostrils by fingers, and the significant effect of NSV on both self-evaluation and third-party evaluation of speech intelligibility was observed (P < 0·001). From the results of this study, it was suggested that NSV would be effective in cerebrovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease, as well as in subjects whose speech intelligibility was improved by closing nostrils. | 25,251,499 | [
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Double-negative feedback loop between microRNA-422a and forkhead box (FOX)G1/Q1/E1 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma tumor growth and metastasis. | Growing evidence indicates that the aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to tumor development; however, the function of miRNAs in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely undefined. In this study, we report that microRNA-422a (miR-422a) is significantly down-regulated in HCC tumor samples and cell lines compared with normal controls, and its expression level is negatively correlated with pathological grading, recurrence, and metastasis. The restoration of miR-422a expression in HCC tumor cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration in vitro. At the same time, the overexpression of miR-422a in HCC tumor cells significantly inhibits tumor growth and liver metastasis in xenograft tumor models. A mechanistic study identified three genes, forkhead box G1 (FOXG1), FOXQ1, and FOXE1, as miR-422a targets in the regulation of HCC development. We also investigated the function of the three targets themselves in HCC tumorigenesis using RNAi manipulation and demonstrated that the knockdown of these targets led to significant inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and migration both in vitro and in vivo. More interestingly, a potential miR-422a promoter region was identified. Both the promoter activity and miR-422a expression were negatively regulated by the three targets, indicating that a double-negative feedback loop exists between miR-422a and its targets. Moreover, we explored the therapeutic potential of miR-422a in HCC treatment and found that the therapeutic delivery of miR-422a significantly inhibited tumor development in a xenograft tumor model and a diethylnitrosamine-induced primary HCC model. Our findings show the critical roles of miR-422a and its targets--FOXG1, FOXQ1, and FOXE1--in the regulation of HCC development and provide new potential candidates for HCC therapy. | 25,251,503 | [
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Narrative making and remaking in the early years: prelude to the personal narrative. | Although very young children are unable to formulate a personal narrative of the life course, their everyday lives are steeped in narratives. Drawing on ethnographic studies in diverse sociocultural worlds, we argue that the early years of life form a vital preamble to the personal narrative. In this phase of life, the universal predisposition to narrative takes root and burgeons as young children step into whichever narrative practices are at hand, practices that are culturally differentiated from the beginning. As children narrate their experiences, they orient themselves in time and establish the interpretive grounds for intelligibility. This process is highly dynamic. Stories recur, stories are repeated, stories are revamped, and stories disappear. These dynamics constitute, for many children, an intense narrative initiation that defines early childhood as a developmental context. By the end of early childhood, they are well versed in making and remaking narratives and show an incipient ability to open a wider temporal window on their own experience. | 25,251,507 | [
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Clinical and economic impact of using generic 7.3-mm cannulated screws at a level II trauma center. | We retrospectively studied the clinical and economic impact of a cost-containment program using high quality generic 7.3-mm screws for fixation of femoral neck fractures and pelvic ring injuries at a level II trauma center. Included in the study were 174 patients with femoral neck fractures or posterior pelvic ring injuries. These injuries were managed with 203 conventional and 178 generic implants. Study results showed no significant differences in age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, or fracture pattern; no differences in operative time, estimated blood loss, or complication rates; no increase in varus collapse, shortening, screw cutout, screw deformation, loosening, or conversion to arthroplasty; and no differences in hospital complications of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, or pressure sores. Overall, our hospital realized a 70% reduction in implant costs, resulting in calendar-year savings of $50,531. At our institution, use of generic 7.3-mm cannulated screws has been a success. Hospital implant costs decreased significantly without any associated increase in complication rate or change in radiographic outcome. Generic implants have the potential to markedly reduce operative costs as long as quality products are used. | 25,251,525 | [
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Safe cross-pinning of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures with a flexion-extension-external rotation technique. | The issue of pin configuration for fixation of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures continues to be controversial. In this article, we report on a large single-surgeon 12-year series in which a flexion-extension-external rotation technique of cross-pinning was used. We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures treated by a single surgeon. The cases of 214 children (mean age, 5.8 years) and 215 medial-entry pins were reviewed in the final analysis. Surgical technique involved a classic hyperflexion maneuver and placement of lateral-entry pins. Indications for medial-entry pins included instability to intraoperative torsional stress examination or medial column comminution. The elbow was then extended to no more than 60° of flexion. The glenohumeral joint was externally rotated to position the medial epicondyle directly en face to the radiographic beam before placement of a medial-entry Kirschner wire. All reviewed patients had medial-entry pin placement with a flexion-extension-external rotation technique. Mean follow-up was 13 weeks. No ulnar nerve neurapraxias were reported. Consistent protection of the ulnar nerve during percutaneous placement of a medial epicondylar pin for supracondylar humerus fracture can be accomplished with partial elbow extension and glenohumeral external rotation after placement of lateral-entry pins. | 25,251,526 | [
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Eikenella corrodens septic hip arthritis in a healthy adult treated with arthroscopic irrigation and debridement. | We present the case of a seemingly spontaneous septic hip arthritis in a patient with no pertinent medical history. Our patient presented with persistent and worsening sharp lower back pain and underwent arthrocentesis of the hip joint, yielding purulent fluid positive for Eikenella corrodens. Our patient's treatment consisted of arthroscopic irrigation with debridement and limited synovectomy that used a supine 2-incision technique. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an E corrodens septic hip arthritis. | 25,251,528 | [
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Cannulated screw with solid core insert: stronger than cannulated screws. | We conducted a study to determine if there is a significant difference in ultimate load, yield strength, and fatigue strength between solid core screws and cannulated screws and if a solid core insert placed inside a cannulated screw would have biomechanical effects similar to those of a solid core screw. Five screw designs were tested: Synthes 4.5-mm solid core and 4.5-mm cannulated and our prototype 4.0-mm solid core, 4.0-mm cannulated, and 4.0-mm cannulated with solid core insert. Biomechanical testing with 3-point bending was used to determine ultimate load, yield strength, and cycles to failure for 6 screws of each design. Ultimate load, yield strength, and cycles to failure were significantly (P < .05) lower in the Synthes 4.5-mm cannulated screws than in the Synthes solid core screws and significantly lower in the prototype cannulated screws than in the prototype solid core screws (P < .05) and prototype cannulated screws with solid core inserts (P < .05). There was no significant difference (P > .05) in ultimate load, yield strength, or cycles to failure between the prototype cannulated screws with solid core inserts and the prototype solid core screws. | 25,251,531 | [
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Displaced ischial stress fracture following revision total hip arthroplasty. | Stress fractures of the ischium are uncommon and are most likely caused by excessive stretching or contracture of the hamstring muscles. In addition, revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) may weaken the ilium, and metabolic bone disease may also contribute to a fracture. Treatment is usually conservative and prognosis is favorable. We present a rare case of spontaneous displaced fracture of the entire ischium following revision THA that healed without requiring operative intervention. | 25,251,536 | [
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Oxidized lipids and lysophosphatidylcholine induce the chemotaxis, up-regulate the expression of CCR9 and CXCR4 and abrogate the release of IL-6 in human monocytes. | Lipids through regulation of chronic inflammation play key roles in the development of various diseases. Here, we report that a mixed population of human primary monocytes migrated towards LPC, as well as oxidized linoleic acid isoforms 9-S-HODE, 9-R-HODE and 13-R-HODE. Incubation with 9-R-HODE, 13-R-HODE and LPC resulted in increased expression of CXCR4, the receptor for SDF-1α/CXCL12, correlated with increased monocyte migration towards SDF-1α/CXCL12. Further, we report increased expression of CCR9, the receptor for TECK/CCL25, after stimulation with these lipids. Upon examining the migratory response towards TECK/CCL25, it was observed that an increase in CCR9 expression upon pre-treatment with 9-S-HODE, 9-R-HODE, 13-R-HODE and LPC resulted in increased migration of monocytes expressing CCR9. Only LPC but not any other lipid examined increased the influx of intracellular Ca2+ in monocytes. Finally, 9-S-HODE, 9-R-HODE, 13-R-HODE, or LPC inhibited the release of IL-6 from monocytes suggesting that these lipids may play important role in controlling inflammatory responses. | 25,251,539 | [
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Palladium-catalyzed N-nitroso-directed C-H alkoxylation of arenes and subsequent formation of 2-alkoxy-N-alkylarylamines. | A palladium-catalyzed direct ortho-alkoxylation of N-alkyl-N-nitrosoarylamines was developed in which alcohols were used as the alkoxylation reagents and PhI(OAc)2 was employed as the oxidant. The protocol was available for both primary and secondary alcohols. The products were transformed to o-alkoxy-N-alkylanilines expediently by a simple reduction. | 25,251,557 | [
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The Impact of Smoking Bans on Smoking and Consumer Behavior: Quasi-Experimental Evidence from Switzerland. | In this paper, we exploit the progressive implementation of smoking bans in public venues at the state level in Switzerland to evaluate both the direct effects on smoking and the potential unintended consequences of these legislations on consumer behaviors as measured by visiting restaurants/bars and discos ('going out'). Our results indicate that public venue smoking bans in Switzerland reduce smoking rates, but the findings do not emerge until 1 year following the ban. This pattern of results is consistent with delays in ban enforcement on the part of business owners, difficulties in changing addictive behaviors such as smoking, and/or learning on the part of smokers. We find evidence that smoking bans influence going-out behavior and there is substantial heterogeneity across venue and consumer characteristics. | 25,251,559 | [
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A chameleon catalyst for nonheme iron-promoted olefin oxidation. | We report the chameleonic reactivity of two nonheme iron catalysts for olefin oxidation with H2O2 that switch from nearly exclusive cis-dihydroxylation of electron-poor olefins to the exclusive epoxidation of electron-rich olefins upon addition of acetic acid. This switching suggests a common precursor to the nucleophilic oxidant proposed to Fe(III)-η(2)-OOH and electrophilic oxidant proposed to Fe(V)(O)(OAc), and reversible coordination of acetic acid as a switching pathway. | 25,251,577 | [
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Extracorporeal life support: experience with 2,000 patients. | This is a review of the University of Michigan experience with extracorporeal life support (ECLS) also known as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Two thousand patients were managed with ECMO from 1973 to 2010. The first 1,000 patients were reported previously. Of the 2,000 patients, 74% were weaned from ECLS, and 64% survived to hospital discharge. In patients with respiratory failure, survival to hospital discharge was 84% in 799 neonates, 76% in 239 children, and 50% in 353 adults. Survival in patients with cardiac failure was 45% in 361 children and 38% in 119 adults. ECLS during extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed in 129 patients, with 41% surviving to discharge. Survival decreased from 74 to 55% between the first and second 1,000 patients. The most common complication was bleeding at sites other than the head, with an incidence of 39%, and the least frequent complication was pump malfunction, with a 2% incidence. Intracranial bleeding or infarction occurred in 8% of patients, with a 43% survival rate. This is the largest series of ECLS at one institution reported in the world to date. Our experience has shown that ECLS saves lives of moribund patients with acute pulmonary and cardiac failure in all age groups. | 25,251,585 | [
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Descending motor pathways and cortical physiology after spinal cord injury assessed by transcranial magnetic stimulation: a systematic review. | We performed here a systematic review of the studies using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a research and clinical tool in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by TMS represent a highly accurate diagnostic test that can supplement clinical examination and neuroimaging findings in the assessment of SCI functional level. MEPs allows to monitor the changes in motor function and evaluate the effects of the different therapeutic approaches. Moreover, TMS represents a useful non-invasive approach for studying cortical physiology, and may be helpful in elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms of brain reorganization after SCI. Measures of motor cortex reactivity, e.g., the short interval intracortical inhibition and the cortical silent period, seem to point to an increased cortical excitability. However, the results of TMS studies are sometimes contradictory or divergent, and should be replicated in a larger sample of subjects. Understanding the functional changes at brain level and defining their effects on clinical outcome is of crucial importance for development of evidence-based rehabilitation therapy. TMS techniques may help in identifying neurophysiological biomarkers that can reliably assess the extent of neural damage, elucidate the mechanisms of neural repair, predict clinical outcome, and identify therapeutic targets. Some researchers have begun to therapeutically use repetitive TMS (rTMS) in patients with SCI. Initial studies revealed that rTMS can induce acute and short duration beneficial effects especially on spasticity and neuropathic pain, but the evidence is to date still very preliminary and well-designed clinical trials are warranted. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Spinal cord injury. | 25,251,591 | [
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Inhalation of hydrogen gas attenuates brain injury in mice with cecal ligation and puncture via inhibiting neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. | During the development of sepsis, the complication in central nervous system (CNS), appearing early and frequently relative to other systems, can obviously increase the mortality of sepsis. Moreover, sepsis survivors also accompany long-term cognitive dysfunction, while the ultimate causes and effective therapeutic strategies of brain injury in sepsis are still not fully clear. We designed this study to investigate the effects of 2% hydrogen gas (H2) on brain injury in a mouse model of sepsis. Male ICR mice were underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham operation. 2% H2 was inhaled for 60min beginning at both 1 and 6h after sham or CLP operation, respectively. H2 concentration in arterial blood, venous blood and brain tissue was detected after H2 inhalation separately. The survival rate was observed and recorded within 7 days after sham or CLP operation. The histopathologic changes and neuronal apoptosis were observed in hippocampus by Nissl staining and TUNEL assay. The permeability of brain-blood barrier (BBB), brain water content, inflammatory cytokines, activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) and oxidative products (MDA and 8-iso-PGF2α) in serum and hippocampus were detected at 24h after sham or CLP operation. The expressions of nucleus and total nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and cytoplasmic heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) in hippocampus were measured at 24h after sham or CLP operation. We assessed their cognitive function via Y-maze and Fear Conditioning test on day 3, 5, 7 and 14 after operation. H2 treatment markedly improved the survival rate and cognitive dysfunction of septic mice. CLP mice showed obvious brain injury characterized by aggravated pathological damage, BBB disruption and brain edema at 24h after CLP operation, which was markedly alleviated by 2% H2 treatment. Furthermore, we found that the beneficial effects of H2 on brain injury in septic mice were linked to the decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative products and the increased activities of antioxidant enzymes in serum and hippocampus. In addition, 2% H2 inhalation promoted the expression and transposition of Nrf2 and the expression of HO-1 to mitigate brain injury in sepsis. Thus, the inhalation of hydrogen gas may be a promising therapeutic strategy to relieve brain injury in sepsis. | 25,251,596 | [
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Chimeric murine interferon regulatory factor-2 (IRF-2) binds to IRF-E (IRF binding element), VREβ (virus response element) but not to VREα1. | Interferon regulatory factor-2 (IRF-2) is a multifunctional transcription factor having gene activation, repression and synergistic effect in conjunction with IRF-1. IRF-2 is also involved in type I IFN signalling by repressing INFβ gene. So far, the molecular mechanism of its DNA binding activity remains elusive. We have carried out molecular sub-cloning, expression and electrophoretically mobility shift assay study of chimeric murine IRF-2. Here, we report expression of chimeric murine IRF-2 as GST-IRF-2 fusion protein in Escherichia coli/BL21 cells and demonstrated DNA binding activity by gel retardation technique using radio (32) P-labelled IRF-E motif (GAAAGT)4 , virus response element (VRE) of human INFβ and IFNα1 gene. We observed five different masses DNA/GST-IRF-2 complexes (1-5) with IRF-E motif, three different masses DNA/GST-IRF-2 complexes (1-3) with VREß , but we could not observe any complex of DNA/GST-IRF-2 with VREα1 . The specific binding on IRF-E motif was confirmed by carrying out 100-X fold cold competition with (32) P-labelled IRF-E motif. In contrast to specific binding on VREß , we used negative control where we observed no binding complex, but we observed complexes with clones IPTG-induced extract. As far as binding on VREα1 is concerned, we could not observe any complex in negative control as well as in IPTG-inducible clones extract. Chimeric IRF-2 binds with IRF-E motif and VREβ but not with VREα1. This study is first of its kind and paves the way to understand the differential DNA binding and molecular mechanism of DNA binding activity of the IRF-2 molecule, which is crucial for its function(s). | 25,251,598 | [
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Strong spatial structure, Pliocene diversification and cryptic diversity in the Neotropical dry forest spider Sicarius cariri. | The Brazilian Caatinga is part of the seasonally dry tropical forests, a vegetation type disjunctly distributed throughout the Neotropics. It has been suggested that during Pleistocene glacial periods, these dry forests had a continuous distribution, so that these climatic shifts may have acted as important driving forces of the Caatinga biota diversification. To address how these events affected the distribution of a dry forest species, we chose Sicarius cariri, a spider endemic to the Caatinga, as a model. We studied the phylogeography of one mitochondrial and one nuclear gene and reconstructed the paleodistribution of the species using modelling algorithms. We found two allopatric and deeply divergent clades within S. cariri, suggesting that this species as currently recognized might consist of more than one independently evolving lineage. Sicarius cariri populations are highly structured, with low haplotype sharing among localities, high fixation index and isolation by distance. Models of paleodistribution, Bayesian reconstructions and coalescent simulations suggest that this species experienced a reduction in its population size during glacial periods, rather than the expansion expected by previous hypotheses on the paleodistribution of dry forest taxa. In addition to that, major splits of intraspecific lineages of S. cariri took place in the Pliocene. Taken together, these results indicate S. cariri has a complex diversification history dating back to the Tertiary, suggesting the history of dry forest taxa may be significantly older than previously thought. | 25,251,608 | [
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Gender differences and age-specific associations between body mass index and other cardiovascular risk factors in CMV infected and uninfected people. | Body mass index (BMI) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cancer. It is also related to white blood count (WBC) and inflammation. The effects of age and gender on these associations have not been explored. Here we have examined the relationships between BMI and inflammatory parameters/cardiovascular risk factors including WBC/neutrophil count (NC), CRP and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), in young (20-35 years) and older (60-85 years) healthy donors with respect to gender and CMV IgG serology. In young but not older people significant associations between BMI and WBC were observed, however, with opposite directions in the two genders. Only in CMV+ older women a positive trend was preserved. Across the population, there was no significant association between NC and MAP; however, among older men we saw a positive correlation between the two parameters. Linear regression confirmed that across the whole population, age group (young versus older) and also the interaction between gender and age group but not gender alone had significant effects on this association. When analysing CMV+ older people separately we established that both NC and its interaction with gender had a significant effect on MAP. This study reveals that the correlations between common inflammatory markers/cardiovascular risk factors depend on age, gender, and CMV status in a complex fashion. Our findings support the need to evaluate risk factors independently in men and women and to take into account CMV infection status. More focused studies will be required to shed light on these novel findings. | 25,251,663 | [
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Phosphate concentration and arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation influence the growth, yield and expression of twelve PHT1 family phosphate transporters in foxtail millet (Setaria italica). | Phosphorus (P) is an essential element which plays several key roles in all living organisms. Setaria italica (foxtail millet) is a model species for panacoid grasses including several millet species widely grown in arid regions of Asia and Africa, and for the bioenergy crop switchgrass. The growth responses of S. italica to different levels of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and to colonisation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Funneliformis mosseae (syn. Glomus mosseae) were studied. Phosphate is taken up from the environment by the PHT1 family of plant phosphate transporters, which have been well characterized in several plant species. Bioinformatic analysis identified 12 members of the PHT1 gene family (SiPHT1;1-1;12) in S. italica, and RT and qPCR analysis showed that most of these transporters displayed specific expression patterns with respect to tissue, phosphate status and arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation. SiPHT1;2 was found to be expressed in all tissues and in all growth conditions tested. In contrast, expression of SiPHT1;4 was induced in roots after 15 days growth in hydroponic medium of low Pi concentration. Expression of SiPHT1;8 and SiPHT1;9 in roots was selectively induced by colonisation with F. mosseae. SiPHT1;3 and SiPHT1;4 were found to be predominantly expressed in leaf and root tissues respectively. Several other transporters were expressed in shoots and leaves during growth in low Pi concentrations. This study will form the basis for the further characterization of these transporters, with the long term goal of improving the phosphate use efficiency of foxtail millet. | 25,251,671 | [
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Reactive transport modeling of thermal column experiments to investigate the impacts of aquifer thermal energy storage on groundwater quality. | Aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) systems are increasingly being used to acclimatize buildings and are often constructed in aquifers used for drinking water supply. This raises the question of potential groundwater quality impact. Here, we use laboratory column experiments to develop and calibrate a reactive transport model (PHREEQC) simulating the thermally induced (5-60 °C) water quality changes in anoxic sandy sediments. Temperature-dependent surface complexation, cation-exchange, and kinetic dissolution of K-feldspar were included in the model. Optimization results combined with an extensive literature survey showed surface complexation of (oxy)anions (As, B, and PO4) is consistently exothermic, whereas surface complexation of cations (Ca and Mg) and cationic heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Zn) is endothermic. The calibrated model was applied to simulate arsenic mobility in an ATES system using a simple yet powerful mirrored axi-symmetrical grid. Results showed that ATES mobilizes arsenic toward the fringe of the warm water bubble and the center of the cold water bubble. This transient redistribution of arsenic causes its aqueous concentrations in the cold and warm groundwater bubbles to become similar through multiple heating cycles, with a final concentration depending on the average injection temperature of the warm and cold ATES wells. | 25,251,716 | [
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Growth, head growth, and neurocognitive outcome in children born very preterm: methodological aspects and selected results. | In light of the growing number of surviving children born very preterm, there is an increasing focus on their long-term outcomes in terms of growth, metabolic status, and neurocognitive development. Therefore, it is of importance to follow such children from birth onwards with the aim of identifying the causes of atypical development, developing preventative measures, and improving outcomes. Since such long-term follow-up needs to be conducted with the least possible burden, clinical investigations such as anthropometry and neurocognitive tests, if conducted rigorously, will continue to have a predominant role. The aim of this review is to discuss the complexity of longitudinal anthropometry in children born very preterm and to provide an overview of the main studies that have examined associations between growth, in particular head growth, and neurocognitive outcomes at around school age. | 25,251,724 | [
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Incidence rate of community-acquired sepsis among hospitalized acute medical patients-a population-based survey. | Sepsis is a frequent cause of admission, but incidence rates based on administrative data have previously produced large differences in estimates. The aim of the study was to estimate the incidence of community-acquired sepsis based on patients' symptoms and clinical findings at arrival to the hospital. Population-based survey. Medical emergency department from September 1, 2010, to August 31, 2011. All patients were manually reviewed using a structured protocol in order to identify the presence of infection. Vital signs and laboratory values were collected to define the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and organ dysfunction. Incidence rate of sepsis of any severity. Among 8,358 admissions to the medical emergency department, 1,713 patients presented with an incident admission of sepsis of any severity, median age 72 years (5-95%; range, 26-91 yr), 793 (46.3%) were men, 728 (42.5%) presented with a Charlson comorbidity index greater than 2,621 (36.3%) were admitted with sepsis, 1,071 (62.5%) with severe sepsis, and 21 (1.2%) with septic shock. Incidence rate was 731/100,000 person-years at risk (95% CI, 697-767) in patients with sepsis of any severity, 265/100,000 person-years at risk (95% CI, 245-287) in patients with sepsis, 457/100,000 person-years at risk (95% CI, 430-485) in patients with severe sepsis, and 9/100,000 person-years at risk (95% CI, 6-14) in patients with septic shock. Based on symptoms and clinical findings at arrival, incidence rates of patients admitted to a medical emergency department with sepsis and severe sepsis are more frequent than previously reported based on discharge diagnoses. | 25,251,760 | [
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Abdominal paracentesis drainage ahead of percutaneous catheter drainage benefits patients attacked by acute pancreatitis with fluid collections: a retrospective clinical cohort study. | The efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided abdominal paracentesis drainage ahead of percutaneous catheter drainage as the new second step of a step-up approach are evaluated. The observed parameters were compared between groups including mortality, infection, organ failure, inflammatory factor levels, indexes of further interventions, and drainage-related complications. This retrospective study included 102 consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis from June 2009 to June 2011. In this step-up approach, all patients subsequently received medical management, percutaneous catheter drainage (with or without previous abdominal paracentesis drainage), and necrosectomy if necessary according to indications. The patients were divided into two groups: 53 cases underwent abdominal paracentesis drainage followed by percutaneous catheter drainage (abdominal paracentesis drainage + percutaneous catheter drainage group) and 49 cases were managed only with percutaneous catheter drainage (percutaneous catheter drainage-alone group). The demographic data and severity scores of the two groups were comparable. The mortality rate was lower in the abdominal paracentesis drainage + percutaneous catheter drainage group (0%) than the percutaneous catheter drainage-alone group (8.2%) (p = 0.050). Compared with the percutaneous catheter drainage-alone group, the laboratory variables of the abdominal paracentesis drainage + percutaneous catheter drainage group decreased more rapidly, the mean number of failed organs was lower, and the interval from the onset of disease to further interventions was much longer. However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence and duration of infections between the two groups. Application of abdominal paracentesis drainage ahead of percutaneous catheter drainage is safe and beneficial to patients by reducing inflammatory factors, postponing further interventions, and delaying or avoiding multiple organ failure. | 25,251,762 | [
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Feeding the critically ill patient. | Critically ill patients are usually unable to maintain adequate volitional intake to meet their metabolic demands. As such, provision of nutrition is part of the medical care of these patients. This review provides detail and interpretation of current data on specialized nutrition therapy in critically ill patients, with focus on recently published studies. The authors used literature searches, personal contact with critical care nutrition experts, and knowledge of unpublished data for this review. Published and unpublished nutrition studies, consisting of observational and randomized controlled trials, are reviewed. The authors used consensus to summarize the evidence behind specialized nutrition. In addition, the authors provide recommendations for nutritional care of the critically ill patient. Current evidence suggests that enteral nutrition, started as soon as possible after acute resuscitative efforts, may serve therapeutic roles beyond providing calories and protein. Although many new studies have further advanced our knowledge in this area, the appropriate level of standardization has not yet been achieved for nutrition therapy, as it has in other areas of critical care. Protocolized nutrition therapy should be modified for each institution based on available expertise, local barriers, and existing culture in the ICU to optimize evidence-based nutrition care for each critically ill patient. | 25,251,763 | [
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Impact of root fillings and posts on the diagnostic ability of three intra-oral digital radiographic systems in detecting vertical root fractures. | To evaluate (i) the accuracy of three intra-oral digital systems in detecting vertical root fractures (VRFs); and (ii) the influence of different intracanal conditions (without filling, filled with Gutta-percha and metal or fibreglass post). Forty single-rooted human teeth were decoronated and the root canals prepared. VRFs were induced using a universal testing machine on 20 teeth. Radiographic images were obtained using the paralleling technique with three different horizontal angulations on conventional E/F film, two storage phosphor plates (Digora Optime and VistaScan) and one sensor system (SnapShot). All teeth were radiographed with all intracanal conditions tested. All images were evaluated by five examiners. After 30 days, 25% of the images were reviewed. Areas under ROC curves, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive and negative predictive values were compared by anova. The weighted kappa values for intra- and interobserver reproducibility were 0.48-0.74 and 0.57-0.66, respectively. The sensitivity revealed a significant difference between imaging modalities, with higher values for SnapShot (0.53) and VistaScan (0.46), followed by the film (0.41) and Digora (0.38). The area under the ROC curve for SnapShot (0.82) was greater than for the other systems in the teeth with a fibreglass post (VistaScan: 0.70; Digora: 0.64; film: 0.60). All systems gave a similar performance for detecting VRFs; all gave a good performance in the absence of intracanal materials, but performed less well in the presence of a metal post or Gutta-percha. In teeth with a fibreglass post, digital systems with higher resolution should be used. | 25,251,773 | [
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Tests of the effects of adolescent early alcohol exposures on adult outcomes. | To determine whether early adolescent alcohol use contributes to adult alcohol use, misuse and other adult substance-related and social outcomes. In a longitudinal study of twins assessed at target ages 11, 14 and 24 years, two techniques adjusted for confounding factors: a propensity score (PS) adjusting for the effects of measured background covariates and co-twin control (CTC) adjusting for confounding by unmeasured (including genetic) factors shared within early alcohol exposure-discordant pairs. The community-based Minnesota Twin Family Study. A total of 1512 (50.3% female) twins. Early adolescent alcohol exposures, adult substance-related and social outcomes and background variables reflecting behavioral, familial and environmental characteristics. Background covariates unbalanced between those with and without early alcohol exposure were balanced through PS-based weighting, leaving several adult outcomes related to substance use or social functioning remaining significantly associated with early alcohol exposure. Similarly, the within-pair individual-level component of a CTC indicated that early alcohol-exposed twins had higher risk than their non-exposed co-twins for several, but not all, of the same adult outcomes. For example, early alcohol use was associated with an adult index of alcohol use in both PS-weighted (β = 0.57, P < 0.001) and CTC (β = 0.21, P = 0.031) analyses. Early alcohol exposures predict adult alcohol problems and related outcomes, despite stringent adjustment for measured and non-measured sources of potential confounding using propensity score and co-twin control. Contrasting the methods indicated that exposure effect estimates from PS application were likely biased by unmeasured confounding factors. | 25,251,778 | [
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Stress facilitates late reversal learning using a touchscreen-based visual discrimination procedure in male Long Evans rats. | The stress response is essential to the survival of all species as it maintains internal equilibrium and allows organisms to respond to threats in the environment. Most stress research has focused on the detrimental impacts of stress on cognition and behavior. Reversal learning, which requires a change in response strategy based on one dimension of the stimuli, is one type of behavioral flexibility that is facilitated following some brief stress procedures. The current study investigated a potential mechanism underlying this facilitation by blocking glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) during stress. Thirty-seven male Long Evans rats learned to discriminate between two images on a touchscreen, one of which was rewarded. Once a criterion was reached, rats received stress (30 min of restraint stress or no stress) and drug (GR antagonist RU38486 or vehicle) administration prior to each of the first 3 days of reversal learning. We expected that stress would facilitate reversal learning and RU38486 (10 mg/kg) would prevent this facilitation in both early (<50% correct in one session) and late (>50% correct in one session) stages of reversal learning. Results showed that stressed rats performed better than unstressed rats (fewer days for late reversal, fewer correction trials, and fewer errors) in the late but not early stage of reversal learning. RU38486 did not block the facilitation of RL by stress, although it dramatically increased response, but not reward, latencies. These results confirm the facilitation of late reversal by stress in a touchscreen-based operant task in rats and further our understanding of how stress affects higher level cognitive functioning and behavior. | 25,251,839 | [
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Hidden semi-Markov models reveal multiphasic movement of the endangered Florida panther. | Animals must move to find food and mates, and to avoid predators; movement thus influences survival and reproduction, and ultimately determines fitness. Precise description of movement and understanding of spatial and temporal patterns as well as relationships with intrinsic and extrinsic factors is important both for theoretical and applied reasons. We applied hidden semi-Markov models (HSMM) to hourly geographic positioning system (GPS) location data to understand movement patterns of the endangered Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) and to discern factors influencing these patterns. Three distinct movement modes were identified: (1) Resting mode, characterized by short step lengths and turning angles around 180(o); (2) Moderately active (or intermediate) mode characterized by intermediate step lengths and variable turning angles, and (3) Traveling mode, characterized by long step lengths and turning angles around 0(o). Males and females, and females with and without kittens, exhibited distinctly different movement patterns. Using the Viterbi algorithm, we show that differences in movement patterns of male and female Florida panthers were a consequence of sex-specific differences in diurnal patterns of state occupancy and sex-specific differences in state-specific movement parameters, whereas the differences between females with and without dependent kittens were caused solely by variation in state occupancy. Our study demonstrates the use of HSMM methodology to precisely describe movement and to dissect differences in movement patterns according to sex, and reproductive status. | 25,251,870 | [
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Anisotropic growth-induced synthesis of dual-compartment Janus mesoporous silica nanoparticles for bimodal triggered drugs delivery. | Multifunctional dual-compartment Janus mesoporous silica nanocomposites of UCNP@SiO2@mSiO2&PMO (UCNP = upconversion nanoparticle, PMO = periodic mesoporous organosilica) containing core@shell@shell structured UCNP@SiO2@mSiO2 nanospheres and PMO single-crystal nanocubes have been successfully synthesized via a novel anisotropic island nucleation and growth approach with the ordered mesostructure. The asymmetric Janus nanocomposites show a very uniform size of ~300 nm and high surface area of ~1290 m(2)/g. Most importantly, the Janus nanocomposites possess the unique dual independent mesopores with different pore sizes (2.1 nm and 3.5-5.5 nm) and hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity for loading of multiple guests. The distinct chemical properties of the silica sources and the different mesostructures of the dual-compartments are the necessary prerequisites for the formation of the Janus nanostructure. With the assistance of the near-infrared (NIR) to ultraviolet/visible (UV-vis) optical properties of UCNPs and heat-sensitive phase change materials, the dual-compartment Janus mesoporous silica nanocomposites can be further applied into nanobiomedicine for heat and NIR light bimodal-triggered dual-drugs controllable release. It realizes significantly higher efficiency for cancer cell killing (more than 50%) compared to that of the single-triggered drugs delivery system (~25%). | 25,251,874 | [
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Patellar Tendon Reconstruction in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A New Technique. | Patellar tendon disruption is one of the most dreaded complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) impacting both implant function and implant longevity. To overcome the concerns regarding allografts and improve outcomes with augmentation techniques, we describe a technique, which we have successfully used over the past 4 years with good results. Seven patients underwent reconstruction for patellar tendon disruption using our technique from a cohort of eight patients. Extensor lag improved from a mean of 40 degrees to less than 5 degrees postoperatively. Range of motion improved from a mean of 105 degrees to 115 degrees of flexion. There was improvement in Knee Society Functional Score from a preoperative mean of 30 to 75 points. The Knee Society Pain Score, however, did not show much improvement. We believe our technique to be a solution to the difficult problem of patellar tendon ruptures after TKA and we continue to perform this procedure. | 25,251,879 | [
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Mechanisms of visual threat detection in specific phobia. | People with anxiety or stress-related disorders attend differently to threat-relevant compared with non-threat stimuli, yet the temporal mechanisms of differential allocation of attention are not well understood. We investigated two independent mechanisms of temporal processing of visual threat by comparing spider-phobic and non-fearful participants using a rapid serial visual presentation task. Consistent with prior literature, spider phobics, but not non-fearful controls, displayed threat-specific facilitated detection of spider stimuli relative to negative stimuli and neutral stimuli. Further, signal detection analyses revealed that facilitated threat detection in spider-phobic participants was driven by greater sensitivity to threat stimulus features and a trend towards a lower threshold for detecting spider stimuli. However, phobic participants did not display reliably slowed temporal disengagement from threat-relevant stimuli. These findings advance our understanding of threat feature processing that might contribute to the onset and maintenance of symptoms in specific phobia and disorders that involve visual threat information more generally. | 25,251,896 | [
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Oxidative Stress Induces Biphasic ERK1/2 Activation in the RPE with Distinct Effects on Cell Survival at Early and Late Activation. | Oxidative stress is considered a major factor in the deterioration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The MAPK ERK1/2 can be activated by oxidative stress, may exert both pro- and anti-apoptotic functions, and has recently been proposed as a major factor in RPE degeneration in atrophic changes. Nrf2 is a master regulator of oxidative stress defense and ERK1/2 is an upstream activator of Nrf2. In this study, we investigate the participation of ERK1/2 in oxidative stress pathways in connection with Nrf2. Nrf2 knock-out and wild-type primary RPE cells were prepared from mouse eyes. Oxidative stress was induced by different concentrations of t-butylhydroperoxide. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were blocked by commercially available inhibitors (SB203580, U0126, SP600125). Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. ERK1/2 expression and activation were assessed by Western blotting. Oxidative stress induced concentration dependent cell death, which occurred at lower concentrations in Nrf2 knock-out RPE. Western blot analysis displayed a biphasic activation of ERK1/2 in murine wild-type RPE and the inhibition of late, but not early activation of ERK1/2 exerted protection in wild-type murine RPE cells. The biphasic activation of ERK1/2 is lost in Nrf2 knock-out mice, and inhibition of ERK1/2 was generally protective. The inhibition of MAPK JNK or p38 exerted no protection, irrespective of Nrf2. RPE cells display a biphasic activation of ERK1/2 after oxidative insult, of which the late activation is pro-apoptotic. The biphasic activation is lost in Nrf2 knock-outs, suggesting that early ERK1/2 activation may be connected to Nrf2 signaling. In addition, ERK1/2 activation in Nrf2 knock-outs mediates oxidative stress-induced cell death. | 25,251,900 | [
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Engineering complementary hydrophobic interactions to control β-hairpin peptide self-assembly, network branching, and hydrogel properties. | The MAX1 β-hairpin peptide (VKVKVKVK-V(D)PPT-KVKVKVKV-NH2) has been shown to form nanofibrils having a cross-section of two folded peptides forming a hydrophobic, valine-rich core, and the polymerized fibril exhibits primarily β-sheet hydrogen bonding.1-7 These nanofibrils form hydrogel networks through fibril entanglements as well as fibril branching.8 Fibrillar branching in MAX1 hydrogel networks provide the ability to flow under applied shear stress and immediately reform a hydrogel solid on cessation of shear. New β-hairpins were designed to limit branching during nanofibril growth because of steric specificity in the assembled fibril hydrophobic core. The nonturn valines of MAX1 were substituted by 2-naphthylalanine (Nal) and alanine (A) residues, with much larger and smaller side chain volumes, respectively, to obtain LNK1 (Nal)K(Nal)KAKAK-V(D)PPT-KAKAK(Nal)K(Nal)-NH2. LNK1 was targeted to self-associate with a specific "lock and key" complementary packing in the hydrophobic core in order to accommodate the Nal and Ala residue side chains. The experimentally observable manifestation of reduced fibrillar branching in the LNK1 peptide is the lack of solid hydrogel formation after shear in stark contrast to the MAX1 branched fibril system. Molecular dynamics simulations provide a molecular picture of interpeptide interactions within the assembly that is consistent with the branching propensity of MAX1 vs LNK1 and in agreement with experimental observations. | 25,251,904 | [
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Accurate ultrasonographic prediction of progesterone concentrations greater than 1 ng/ml in Holstein lactating dairy cows. | To develop an ultrasonographic assay for determining plasma progesterone concentration (P4 ) as < 1 ng/ml or ≥ 1 ng/ml, the corpus luteum (CL) area and P4 were measured in 1094 multiparous Holstein cows. The area-measuring function and frozen images were used to outline and measure CL imaged via ultrasonography, and CL area was estimated as a polygon of a continuation straight line. A significant correlation was found between CL area and P4 (p < 0.001), and this analysis resulted in the following correlation equation: y = -0.35 + 1.02x (r = 0.81). According to the correlation equation, a CL area of 1.3 cm(2) indicated a P4 of 1 ng/ml. Based on this relationship, each animal was categorized into one of six groups, groups differed based on CL area, and the area ranges were as follows: < 1.3 cm(2) (Group A), 1.3-2.2 cm(2) (Group B), 2.3-3.2 cm(2) (Group C), 3.3-4.2 cm(2) (Group D), 4.3-5.2 cm(2) (Group E) and > 5.2 cm(2) (Group F). For each group, the proportion of cows whose P4 was 1 ng/ml or more was 1.5% in Group A, 83.3% in Group B, 76.6% in Group C, 96.6% in Group D, 99.2% in Group E and 100% in Group F. There was a significant difference between Group A and the other five groups, and between Groups B or C and Groups D, E or F (p < 0.005). These results indicate that a functional CL does not exist when the CL area is less than 1.3 cm(2) and that it exists when the CL area is 3.3 cm(2) or more. | 25,251,911 | [
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Light extraction of trapped optical modes in polymer light-emitting diodes with nanoimprinted double-pattern gratings. | Despite the rapid development of polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), the overall device efficiency is still limited because ∼80% of the generated light is trapped in a conventional device architecture by the high refractive index of organic materials and the optical confinement and internal reflection. The implementation of the energy dissipation compensation techniques is urgently required for further enhancement in the efficiency of PLEDs. Here, we demonstrate that incorporating the double-pattern Bragg gratings in the organic layers with soft nanoimprinting lithography can dramatically enhance the light extraction of trapped optical modes in PLEDs. The resulting efficiency is 1.35 times that of a conventional device with a flat architecture used as a comparison. The experimental and theoretical analyses indicate that the enhanced out-coupling efficiency is attributed to the combination of the ordinary Bragg scattering, the guided-mode resonance (GMR), surface plasmon polariton (SPP) modes, and the hybrid anticross coupling between GMR and SPP, leading to the extraordinary efficient photo flux that can transfer in direction of the leaky modes. We anticipate that our method provides a new pathway for precisely manipulating nanoscale optical fields and could enable the integration of different optical modes in PLEDs for the viable applications. | 25,251,912 | [
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Benzofuran-chalcone hybrids as potential multifunctional agents against Alzheimer's disease: synthesis and in vivo studies with transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. | In the search for effective multifunctional agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a series of novel hybrids incorporating benzofuran and chalcone fragments were designed and synthesized. These hybrids were screened by using a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model that expresses the human β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide. Among the hybrids investigated, (E)-3-(7-methyl-2-(4-methylbenzoyl)benzofuran-5-yl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (4 f), (E)-3-(2-benzoyl-7-methylbenzofuran-5-yl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (4 i), and (E)-3-(2-benzoyl-7-methylbenzofuran-5-yl)-1-(thiophen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (4 m) significantly decreased Aβ aggregation and increased acetylcholine (ACh) levels along with the overall availability of ACh at the synaptic junction. These compounds were also found to decrease acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels, reduce oxidative stress in the worms, lower lipid content, and to provide protection against chemically induced cholinergic neurodegeneration. Overall, the multifunctional effects of these hybrids qualify them as potential drug leads for further development in AD therapy. | 25,251,917 | [
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Selectfluor and NFSI exo-glycal fluorination strategies applied to the enhancement of the binding affinity of galactofuranosyltransferase GlfT2 inhibitors. | Two complementary methods for the synthesis of fluorinated exo-glycals have been developed, for which previously no general reaction had been available. First, a Selectfluor-mediated fluorination was optimized after detailed analysis of all the reaction parameters. A dramatic effect of molecular sieves on the course of the reaction was observed. The reaction was generalized with a set of biologically relevant furanosides and pyranosides. A second direct approach involving carbanionic chemistry and the use of N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) was performed and this method gave better diastereoselectivities. Assignment of the Z/E configuration of all the fluorinated exo-glycals was achieved based on the results of HOESY experiments. Furthermore, fluorinated exo-glycal analogues of UDP-galactofuranose were prepared and assayed against GlfT2, which is a key enzyme involved in the cell-wall biosynthesis of major pathogens. The fluorinated exo-glycals proved to be potent inhibitors as compared with a series of C-glycosidic analogues of UDP-Galf, thus demonstrating the double beneficial effect of the exocyclic enol ether functionality and the fluorine atom. | 25,251,918 | [
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Current recommendations for monitoring depth of neuromuscular blockade. | Residual neuromuscular block is a relatively frequent occurrence and is associated with postoperative pulmonary complications, including aspiration, pneumonia and hypoxia, impaired hypoxic ventilatory drive and decreased patient satisfaction. Although adequate recovery of neuromuscular function has been defined as a train-of-four ratio of at least 0.9, monitoring with a qualitative peripheral nerve stimulator makes it impossible to determine the actual train-of-four ratio. Peripheral nerve stimulators are not routinely used in clinical practice. Without their use, dosing of neuromuscular blocking agents and anticholinesterases is often inappropriate and adequacy of recovery of neuromuscular function upon tracheal extubation cannot be guaranteed. Use of peripheral nerve stimulators allows clinicians to administer neuromuscular blocking and reversal agents in a rational manner. Routine use of quantitative monitors of depth of neuromuscular blockade is the best guarantee of the adequacy of recovery of postoperative muscle strength. | 25,251,919 | [
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Management of neuromuscular blockade in ambulatory patients. | The use of neuromuscular blocking agents in ambulatory surgery has been described as a double-edged sword. Muscle relaxants may improve the outcome following endotracheal intubation and could be helpful for the surgeon to some extent. However, these agents might increase the risk of postoperative complications because of residual paralysis. This review should summarize recent developments in neuromuscular blockade, neuromuscular monitoring, and reversal with a special reference to day case surgery. The use of neuromuscular blocking agents begs a risk of postoperative muscle weakness and has been associated with adverse respiratory events. From the surgical side, there could be an increased request for a more intense neuromuscular block during laparoscopic surgery. Therefore, the use of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring and selective reversal binding agents may gain more importance in the future. For the reversal of a shallow neuromuscular block, cholinesterase inhibitors are still appropriate. The management of neuromuscular blocks in day case surgery requests a comprehensive approach that should include an adequate dosing of the muscle relaxant, quantitative objective monitoring, and a sufficient and appropriate reversal. | 25,251,920 | [
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Association of time to kidney transplantation with graft failure among U.S. patients with end-stage renal disease due to lupus nephritis. | Providers recommend waiting to transplant patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to lupus nephritis (LN), to allow for quiescence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-related immune activity. However, these recommendations are not standardized, and we sought to examine whether duration of time to transplant was associated with risk of graft failure in US LN-ESRD patients. Using national ESRD surveillance data (United States Renal Data System), we identified 4,743 US patients with LN-ESRD who received a first transplant on or after January 1, 2000 (followup through September 30, 2011). The association of wait time (time from ESRD start to transplant) with graft failure was assessed with Cox proportional hazards models, with splines of the exposure to allow for nonlinearity of the association and with adjustment for potential confounding by demographic, clinical, and transplant factors. White LN-ESRD patients who were transplanted later (versus at <3 months receiving dialysis) were at increased risk of graft failure (3-12 months: adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.93-1.63; 12-24 months: adjusted HR 1.37, 95% CI 0.92-2.06; 24-36 months: adjusted HR 1.34, 95% CI 0.92-1.97; and >36 months: adjusted HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.31-2.99). However, no such association was seen among African American recipients (3-12 months: adjusted HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.79-1.45; 12-24 months: adjusted HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.64-1.60; 24-36 months: adjusted HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.51-1.18; and >36 months: adjusted HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.48-1.13). While future studies are needed to examine the potential confounding effect of clinically recognized SLE activity on the observed associations, these results suggest that longer wait times to transplant may be associated with equivalent or worse, not better, graft outcomes among LN-ESRD patients. | 25,251,922 | [
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Cost-benefit analysis of the Swiss national policy on reducing micropollutants in treated wastewater. | Contamination of freshwater with micropollutants (MPs) is a growing concern worldwide. Even at very low concentrations, MPs can have adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and possibly also on human health. Switzerland is one of the first countries to start implementing a national policy to reduce MPs in the effluents of municipal sewage treatment plants (STPs). This paper estimates the benefits of upgrading STPs based on public's stated preferences. To assess public demand for the reduction of the environmental and health risks of MPs, we conducted a choice experiment in a national online survey. The results indicate that the average willingness to pay per household is CHF 100 (US$ 73) annually for reducing the potential environmental risk of MPs to a low level. These benefits, aggregated over households in the catchment of the STPs to be upgraded, generate a total annual economic value of CHF 155 million (US$ 113 million). This compares with estimated annual costs for upgrading 123 STPs of CHF 133 million (US$ 97 million) or CHF 86 (US$ 63) per household connected to these STPs. Hence, a cost-benefit analysis justifies the investment decision from an economic point of view and supports the implementation of the national policy in the ongoing political discussion. | 25,251,946 | [
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A new problem in inflammatory bladder diseases: use of mobile phones! | Technological developments provide a lot of conveniences to our lives. This issue is one of the risks that arise along with these conveniences. In our study we tried to understand the impact of electromagnetic waves from mobile phones on bladder tissue. Twenty-one adult male albino rats were divided into three equal groups. Group 1 was exposed to electromagnetic wave for 8 hours per day for 20 days and then their bladders were taken off immediately. Group 2 was firstly exposed to electromagnetic wave for 8 hours per day for 20 days then secondly another for 20 days without exposition to electromagnetic wave and then their bladders were taken off. Group 3 was the control group and they were not exposed to electromagnetic wave. Under microscopic examination of bladder tissue, in the first group severe inflammatory cell infiltration was seen in lamina propria and muscle layer in contrast to intact urothelium. In the second group mild inflammatory cell infiltration was seen in lamina propria and muscle layer. The mean scores for the three groups were 5.5 ± 2.5, 0.8 ± 1.3 and 1.2 ± 1.5 respectively. Mean score of group 1 was statistically higher than others (p = 0.001). Intensive use of mobile phones has negative impact on bladder tissue as well as the other organs. Keeping a minimum level of mobile phone use makes it easy to be kept under control of diseases in which inflammation is an etiologic factor. | 25,251,956 | [
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Sublingual administration of tacrolimus: current trends and available evidence. | Widespread anecdotal use of sublingual tacrolimus administration has arisen, although little literature exists to guide practice. Given the paucity of data, we conducted a survey to evaluate the practice of sublingual tacrolimus administration at transplant centers across the United States and evaluated the literature that is currently available. A 10-question online survey assessing the current state of sublingual tacrolimus use was distributed to pharmacists at transplant centers that each performed more than 100 solid organ transplantations in 2013. In addition, a literature review was performed by searching the PubMed database to identify available evidence for the sublingual administration of tacrolimus. The online survey was completed by 59 (65.6%) of the 90 targeted transplant centers, representing 51.3% of all solid organ transplantations performed in 2013. Sublingual administration of tacrolimus was used in all solid organ transplant populations, with ~67% of lung transplant centers using this route for tacrolimus. The most common dose conversion was 2 mg oral to 1 mg sublingual, with 92% of centers opening oral capsules and administering the contents sublingually. Home use of sublingual administration and use in the pediatric population was uncommon. Seven peer-reviewed reports and one abstract were identified in the literature review. Seven of the eight publications reported favorably on sublingual administration, although no consistent dose conversion or method of administration was elucidated. The majority of the transplant centers surveyed found sublingual tacrolimus a viable alternative when oral administration is unavailable. A large robust prospective evaluation of sublingual administration of tacrolimus is imperative to provide the most effective care to solid organ transplant recipients and to ensure optimal safety for both patients and providers who administer the drug. | 25,251,980 | [
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The role of phytochemicals as micronutrients in health and disease. | Intake of dietary phytochemicals has frequently been associated with health benefits. Noninfectious diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and diabetes are major causes of death, whereas dementia cases are also increasing to 'epidemic' proportion. This review will focus on recent progress on mechanisms underlying the potential role of dietary phytochemicals in CVD, diabetes, cancer and dementia, with consideration of the latest clinical data. The association of tea (Camellia sinensis), particularly catechins, with reported mechanistic effects for CVD, diabetes, cancer and cognition contributes to our understanding of the suggested benefits of tea consumption on health from limited and inconclusive clinical trial and epidemiological data. Resveratrol, which occurs in grapes (Vitis vinifera) and wine, and curcumin, a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa), are also emerging as potentially relevant to health, particularly for CVD and dementia, with some promising data also concluded for curcumin in cancer. Other phytochemicals mechanistically relevant for health include anthocyanins, isoflavones and glucosinolates, which are also discussed. Evidence for the role of phytochemicals in health and disease is growing, but associations between phytochemicals and disease need to be more firmly understood and established from more robust clinical data using preparations that have been phytochemically characterized. | 25,252,018 | [
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Left atrial volume index as a predictor for persistent left ventricular dysfunction after aortic valve surgery in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation: the role of early postoperative echocardiography. | This study aimed to explore whether echocardiographic measurements during the early postoperative period can predict persistent left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) after aortic valve surgery in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation (AR). We prospectively recruited 54 patients (59 ± 12 years) with isolated chronic severe AR who subsequently underwent aortic valve surgery. Standard transthoracic echocardiography was performed before the operation, during the early postoperative period (≤2 weeks), and then 1 year after the surgery. Twelve patients with preoperative LVSD demonstrated LVSD at early after the surgery. Of the 42 patients without LVSD at preoperative echocardiography, 15 patients (36%) developed early postoperative LVSD after surgical correction. All 27 patients without LVSD at early postoperative echocardiography maintained LV function at 1 year after surgery. In the other 27 patients with postoperative LVSD, 17 patients recovered from LVSD and 10 patients did not at 1 year after surgery. Multiple logistic analysis demonstrated that postoperative left atrial volume index (LAVI) was the only independent predictor for persistent LVSD at 1 year after surgery in patients with postoperative LVSD (OR 1.180, 95% CI, 1.003-1.390, P = 0.046). The optimal LAVI cutoff value (>34.9 mL/m(2) ) had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 88% for the prediction of persistent LVSD. Prevalence of early postoperative LVSD was relatively high, even in the patients without LVSD at preoperative echocardiography. Postoperative LAVI could be useful to predict persistent LVSD after aortic valve surgery in patients with early postoperative LVSD. | 25,252,020 | [
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Assessment of altered three-dimensional blood characteristics in aortic disease by velocity distribution analysis. | To test the feasibility of velocity distribution analysis for identifying altered three-dimensional (3D) flow characteristics in patients with aortic disease based on 4D flow MRI volumetric analysis. Forty patients with aortic (Ao) dilation (mid ascending aortic diameter MAA = 40 ± 7 mm, age = 56 ± 17 years, 11 females) underwent cardiovascular MRI. Four groups were retrospectively defined: mild Ao dilation (n = 10; MAA < 35 mm); moderate Ao dilation (n = 10; 35 < MAA < 45 mm); severe Ao dilation (n = 10; MAA > 45 mm); Ao dilation+aortic stenosis AS (n = 10; MAA > 35 mm and peak velocity > 2.5 m/s). The 3D PC-MR angiograms were computed and used to obtain a 3D segmentation of the aorta which was divided into four segments: root, ascending aorta, arch, descending aorta. Radial chart displays were used to visualize multiple parameters representing segmental changes in the 3D velocity distribution associated with aortic disease. Changes in the velocity field and geometry between cohorts resulted in distinct hemodynamic patterns for each aortic segment. Disease progression from mild to Ao dilation + AS resulted in significant differences (P < 0.05) in flow parameters across cohorts and increased radial chart size for root and ascending aorta segments by 146% and 99%, respectively. Volumetric 4D velocity distribution analysis has the potential to identify characteristic changes in regional blood flow patterns in patients with aortic disease. | 25,252,029 | [
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Enantioselective all-carbon (4+2) annulation by N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis. | The enantioselective vinylogous Michael/aldol cascade is an underdeveloped approach to cyclohexenes. Herein we describe a highly enantioselective (most ≥ 98:2 er) and diastereoselective (all ≥ 15:1 dr) N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed cycloisomerization of acyclic dienyl esters to cyclohexyl β-lactones. Derivatizations avail cyclohexenes bearing four contiguous stereogenic centers, while mechanistic studies support olefin isomerization prior to cyclization. | 25,252,043 | [
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First pediatric case of Chromobacterium haemolyticum causing proctocolitis. | Bloody diarrhea in children is usually due to either infectious or inflammatory etiology, but infection is far more common than inflammatory bowel disease in children worldwide. If, however, the patient has unfavorable response to antibiotics and a definite infectious agent has yet to be identified; colonoscopy should be performed. The current patient presented with acute onset of mucous bloody diarrhea. Stool culture was initially identified as Vibrio mimicus and later identified as Aeromonas schubertii but the biochemistry did not fit well with either organism. After a prolonged course of hematochezia despite i.v. antibiotics, colonoscopy was performed that showed inflammation in the rectosigmoid area. Meanwhile, the final biochemistry tests and 16s rRNA sequencing of the organism confirmed Chromobacterium haemolyticum infection. Twelve weeks after the initial colonoscopy, repeat colonoscopy showed post-infectious colitis. Herein we report on the first pediatric case of C. haemolyticum infection causing proctocolitis. | 25,252,051 | [
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Hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy as initial presentation of primary hypoparathyroidism. | Cardiomyopathy is a rare but life-threatening condition in children. Myocarditis is the leading cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and prognosis is generally poor without heart transplantation. We report a rare case of hypocalcemic DCM due to primary hypoparathyroidism in a male infant. In our patient, aggressive management of hypoparathyroidism significantly improved the manifestations of DCM. He is currently 10 years old and has no symptoms of exercise intolerance. Latest echocardiogram revealed near-normal cardiac function. Our case emphasizes that early diagnosis of this treatable cause of cardiomyopathy prevents serious sequelae. | 25,252,065 | [
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Case of Desbuquois dysplasia type 1: potentially lethal skeletal dysplasia. | We report a boy with Desbuquois dysplasia type 1. He had the typical skeletal changes: a "Swedish key" appearance of the proximal femora; advanced carpal ossification and other distinctive features of the hand, including an extra-ossification center at the base of the proximal phalanx of the index and middle fingers; dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger; and bifid distal phalanx of the thumb. In addition, he presented with very severe prenatal growth failure, respiratory distress as a neonate, subsequent failure to thrive and susceptibility to airway infection, and sudden death in early childhood. Molecular analysis identified homozygous 1 bp deletion in the Calcium-Activated Nucleotidase 1 gene (CANT1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Desbuquois dysplasia type 1 in Japan. Our experience suggests potential lethality in the disorder. | 25,252,066 | [
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Luminescence study and dosimetry approach of Ce on an α-Sr2 P2 O7 phosphor synthesized by a high-temperature combustion method. | We report synthesis of a cerium-activated strontium pyrophosphate (Sr2 P2 O7 ) phosphor using a high-temperature combustion method. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL). The XRD pattern reveals that Sr2 P2 O7 has an α-phase with crystallization in the orthorhombic space group of Pnam. The IR spectrum of α-Sr2 P2 O7 displays characteristic bands at 746 and 1190 cm(-1) corresponding to the absorption of (P2 O7 )(-4) . PL emission spectra exhibit a broad emission band around 376 nm in the near-UV region due to the allowed 5d-4f transition of cerium and suggest its applications in a UV light-emitting diode (LED) source. PL also reveals that the emission originates from 5d-4f transition of Ce(3+) and intensity increases with doping concentration. TL measurements made after X-ray irradiation, manifest a single intense glow peak at around 192°C, which suggests that this is an outstanding candidate for dosimetry applications. The kinetic parameters, activation energy and frequency factor of the glow curve were calculated using different analysis methods. | 25,252,077 | [
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Acral lentiginous melanoma treated with topical imiquimod cream: possible cooperation between drug and tumour cells. | An 85-year-old woman presented with a lesion on the sole of her right foot, which was histologically confirmed as acral lentiginous melanoma. Because of the large field involved and because the patient refused any invasive or painful treatment, topical treatment with imiquimod was commenced. At the 20-month follow-up, the patient was still continuing treatment with topical imiquimod, and no metastases to the lymph nodes or viscera were found, either clinically or in imaging studies. We believe that the success of the treatment cannot be explained only by the stimulation of the immune system induced by imiquimod. A possible explanation might be 'tumour dormancy', where a tumour grows very slowly because of a balance between the neoplasia and the immune (and nonimmune) mechanisms of tumour control. The use of imiquimod has so far allowed our patient to avoid surgery, and perturbation of the mechanisms of tumour regulation, such as local immunity and angiogenesis, has not taken place. | 25,252,087 | [
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Reversible CO exchange at platinum(0). An example of similar complex properties produced by ligands with very different stereoelectronic characteristics. | The ligands 1,2-C6H4(CH2P(t)Bu2)2 (La) and 1,2-C6H4(P(t)Bu2)(CH2P(t)Bu2) (Lb) displace norbornene (nbe) from [Pt(η(2)-nbe)3] to give [PtL(η(2)-nbe)] where L = La (1a) or Lb (1b); 1a is fluxional on the NMR timescale. Reaction of 1a,b with CO gives the corresponding monocarbonyls [PtL(CO)] where L = La (2a) or Lb (2b) which then react further, and reversibly, to give the dicarbonyls [PtL(CO)2] where L = La (3a) or Lb (3b). The CO interchange between 2a,b and 3a,b is compared with the only other such system (2f and 3f), which are complexes of (C2F5)2PCH2CH2P(C2F5)2 (Lf). Ethene reacts smoothly with 2a to give (4a) and H2 with 2a generates some [PtH2(La)]. Protonation of 2a gives [Pt(La)(H)(CO)][B(C6F5)4] (5a) whose crystal structure has been determined. Similarly protonation of 2b gives [Pt(Lb)(H)(CO)][B(C6F5)4] as a mixture of geometric isomers 5b–6b. | 25,252,090 | [
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A cytotoxic and cytostatic gold(III) corrole. | We have synthesized and characterized a water-soluble gold(III) corrole (1-Au) that is highly toxic to cisplatin-resistant cancer cells. Relative to its 1-Ga analogue, axial ligands bind only weakly to 1-Au, which likely accounts for its lower affinity for human serum albumin (HSA). We suggest that the cytotoxicity of 1-Au may be related to this lower HSA affinity. | 25,252,099 | [
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Mass selective ion transfer and accumulation in ion trap arrays. | The concept and method for mass selective ion transfer and accumulation within quadrupole ion trap arrays have been demonstrated. Proof-of-concept experiments have been performed on two sets of ion trap arrays: (1) a linear ion trap with axial ion ejection plus a linear ion trap with radial ion ejection; (2) a linear ion trap with axial ion ejection plus a linear ion trap with axial ion ejection. In both sets of ion trap arrays, ions trapped in the first ion trap could be mass selectively transferred and accumulated into the second ion trap, while keeping other ions reserved in the first ion trap. Different operating modes have been implemented and tested, including transferring all ions, ions within a selected mass range, ions with a mass-to-charge ratio of 1, and randomly selected ions. Unit mass resolution for ion transfer and ∼90% ion transfer efficiency has been achieved. A new tandem mass spectrometry scheme for analyzing multiple precursor ions in a single sample injection has been demonstrated, which would improve instrument duty cycle and sample utilization rate (especially for very limited samples), potentially facilitate applications like single cell analyses, and improve electron transfer dissociation efficiency. | 25,252,102 | [
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Extraction and enrichment of triazole and triazine pesticides from honey using air-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction. | In the present work, an easy, fast, and effective approach is developed for the extraction and enrichment of triazole and triazine pesticides in honey by air-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. Initially, honey is dissolved in an acetonitrile: water mixture and after that a few microliter of a less soluble organic solvent in aqueous phase is added. In order to form a cloudy solution, the extractant mixed with aqueous phase is repeatedly sucked and expelled by a syringe needle into a glass tube. After centrifugation, the sedimented phase (1 mL) is removed with a syringe and injected into de-ionized water. By this action, the settled phase volume is reduced to 10 μL and the analytes are concentrated, too. Under optimum extraction conditions, limits of detection and quantitation for the studied pesticides are in the ranges of 2 to 5 and 6 to 17 ng/g, respectively. Extraction recoveries and enrichment factors are from 61% to 95% and 61 to 95, respectively. The proposed approach can be applied for determination of pesticide in honey and may be developed to other complex matrices. | 25,252,113 | [
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Understanding the role of single molecular ZnS precursors in the synthesis of In(Zn)P/ZnS nanocrystals. | Environmentally friendly nanocrystals (NCs) such as InP are in demand for various applications, such as biomedical labeling, solar cells, sensors, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). To fulfill their potential applications, the synthesis of such high-quality "green" InP NCs required further improvement so as to achieve better stability, higher brightness NCs, and also to have a more robust synthesis route. The present study addresses our efforts on the synthesis of high-quality In(Zn)P/ZnS core-shell NCs using an air- and moisture-stable ZnS single molecular precursor (SMP) and In(Zn)P cores. The SMP method has recently emerged as a promising route for the surface overcoating of NCs due to its simplicity, high reproducibility, low reaction temperature, and flexibility in controlling the reaction. The synthesis involved heating the In(Zn)P core solution and Zn(S2CNR2) (where R = methyl, ethyl, butyl, or benzyl and referred to as ZDMT, ZDET, ZDBT, or ZDBzT, respectively) in oleylamine (OLA) to 90-250 °C for 0.5-2.5 h. In this work, we systematically studied the influence of different SMP end groups, the complex formation and stability between the SMP and oleylamine (OLA), the reaction temperature, and the amount of SMP on the synthesis of high-quality In(Zn)P/ZnS NCs. We found that thiocarbamate end groups are an important factor contributing to the low-temperature growth of high-quality In(Zn)P/ZnS NCs, as the end groups affect the polarity of the molecules and result in a different steric arrangement. We found that use of SMP with bulky end groups (ZDBzT) results in nanocrystals with higher photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) and better dispersibility than those synthesized with SMPs with the shorter alkyl chain groups (ZDMT, ZDET, or ZDBT). At the optimal conditions, the PL QY of red emission In(Zn)P/ZnS NCs is 55 ± 4%, which is one of the highest values reported. On the basis of structural (XAS, XPS, XRD, TEM) and optical characterization, we propose a mechanism for the growth of a ZnS shell on an In(Zn)P core. | 25,252,171 | [
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Regulation of metabolism in individual mitochondria during excitation-contraction coupling. | The heart is an excitable organ that undergoes spontaneous force generation and relaxation cycles driven by excitation-contraction (EC) coupling. A fraction of the oscillating cytosolic Ca(2+) during each heartbeat is taken up by mitochondria to stimulate mitochondrial metabolism, the major source of energy in the heart. Whether the mitochondrial metabolism is regulated individually during EC coupling and whether this heterogeneous regulation bears any physiological or pathological relevance have not been studied. Here, we developed a novel approach to determine the regulation of individual mitochondrial metabolism during cardiac EC coupling. Through monitoring superoxide flashes, which are stochastic and bursting superoxide production events arising from increased metabolism in individual mitochondria, we found that EC coupling stimulated the metabolism in individual mitochondria as indicated by significantly increased superoxide flash activity during electrical stimulation of the cultured intact myocytes or perfused heart. Mechanistically, cytosolic calcium transients promoted individual mitochondria to take up calcium via mitochondrial calcium uniporter, which subsequently triggered transient opening of the permeability transition pore and stimulated metabolism and bursting superoxide flash in that mitochondrion. The bursting superoxide, in turn, promoted local calcium release. In the early stage of heart failure, EC coupling regulation of superoxide flashes was compromised. This study highlights the heterogeneity in the regulation of cardiac mitochondrial metabolism, which may contribute to local redox signaling. | 25,252,178 | [
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0.1942089,
0.3499289,
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... |
Sunitinib-induced hypertension, neutropaenia and thrombocytopaenia as predictors of good prognosis in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. | To evaluate the clinical significance of hypertension (HTN), neutropaenia and thrombocytopaenia as possible new biomarkers of sunitinib efficacy in non-trial patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). In all, 181 consecutive patients with mRCC were treated with sunitinib; 39 (22%) received sunitinib 50 mg/day 4 weeks on/2 weeks off, 80 (44%) received 37.5 mg/day continuously and 62 (34%) received 25 mg/day continuously as their starting dose. Treatment-induced adverse events (AEs) and their impact on outcome were analysed on multiple sunitinib doses. During sunitinib treatment 60 patients (33%) developed ≥grade 2 HTN, 88 (49%) ≥grade 2 neutropaenia and 135 (75%) ≥grade 1 thrombocytopaenia. These AEs were associated significantly with longer progression-free survival (PFS; 15.7 vs 6.7; 14.6 vs 6.9; 10.4 vs 4.2 months, respectively; P < 0.001) and overall survival (OS; 37.5 vs 16.2; 33.7 vs 13.2; 22.3 vs 13.2 months, respectively, P ≤ 0.008). Although only neutropaenia was associated with a significantly improved PFS and OS in all sunitinib doses, a similar trend was also seen with HTN and thrombocytopaenia in all sunitinib doses. In multivariate analysis, HTN and neutropaenia were significantly associated with PFS and OS and thrombocytopaenia was significantly associated with PFS. In a 12-week landmark analysis, HTN and thrombocytopaenia were significantly associated with PFS and OS. Patients who developed all three AEs (a favourable biomarker profile) had significantly better outcome than patients without these AEs (a poor biomarker profile); response rate 47% vs 4%, median PFS 27.1 vs 3.5 months and OS not reached vs 5.3 months (all P < 0.001). HTN, neutropaenia and thrombocytopaenia were all biomarkers of sunitinib efficacy in patients with mRCC. Our results may help to individualise sunitinib dosing during therapy based on these common sunitinib-related AEs. | 25,252,180 | [
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Provider knowledge of trivalent inactivated and high-dose influenza vaccines. | The objective of this study was to assess provider knowledge about trivalent inactivated and high dose influenza vaccines. Hence, a 20-item survey was distributed to providers within the Internal Medicine department at an urban academic medical center. Two hundred and eighty-one (24.5%) providers responded. The correct response rate was 63.2%. The highest performing subspecialties were infectious diseases (80.5%), endocrinology (69.2%), and pulmonary (68%). Those who received an influenza vaccine during the most recent season scored significantly higher than those who did not (63.6% vs. 43.6%, p=.001). Areas where respondents did poorly included questions pertaining to contraindications to immunizations (27.4%), common adverse events after immunization (29.2%), target antigen (73.5%), number of strains in the trivalent inactivated vaccine (62.9%), and time to immunity (61.4%). High dose vaccine knowledge was poor, with 37% of providers unaware of its existence. Significant gaps in provider knowledge exist regarding both trivalent inactivated and high dose influenza vaccines. | 25,252,197 | [
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Modified protocol for improvement of differentiation potential of menstrual blood-derived stem cells into adipogenic lineage. | To characterize potency of menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) for future cell therapies, we examined differentiation potential of MenSCs into adipocytes. Differentiation potential of MenSCs in comparison to bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) was assessed in conventional culture medium. Differentiation potential of MenSCs into adipocytes was improved using different combinations of growth factors and hormones. First, we demonstrated that MenSCs preserve their appearance and karyotypic stability during passages. Although these cells express mesenchymal stem cells markers, they cannot simply be classified as mesenchymal stem cells due to expression of embryonic stem cells marker, OCT-4. Oil red O staining showed that differentiated MenSCs in conventional medium with/without retinoic acid (protocols 1 and 2) did not attain adipocyte characteristics, whereas differentiated BMSCs in conventional medium accumulated oil vacuoles typically. Nevertheless, real-time RT-PCR results showed that LPL gene expression was up-regulated in both protocols 1 and 2, whereas LEPR was up-regulated only in protocol 2 (fortified with retinoic acid). Surprisingly, protocol 3 (including rosiglitazone) had odd influence on mRNA expression of all genes (LEPR, LPL and PPAR-γ). Oil red O staining confirmed fat-producing ability of MenSCs under protocol 3. Presented data suggest an efficient differentiation protocol for in vitro production of MenSC-derived adipocytes. These cells are suggested to be an apt alternative to BMSCs for future stem cell therapy of soft tissue injuries. | 25,252,214 | [
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... |
Unraveling the effect of arsenic on the model Medicago-Ensifer interaction: a transcriptomic meta-analysis. | The genetic regulation underlying the effect of arsenic (As(III)) on the model symbiosis Medicago-Ensifer was investigated using a combination of physiological (split-roots), microscopy and genetic (microarrays, qRT-PCR and composite plants) tools. Nodulation was very sensitive to As(III) (median inhibitory dose (ID50) = 20 μM). The effect on root elongation and on nodulation was local (nonsystemic). A battery of stress (salt, drought, heat shock, metals, etc.)-related genes were induced. Glutathione played a pivotal role in tolerance/detoxification, together with secondary metabolites ((iso)flavonoids and phenylpropanoids). However, antioxidant enzymes were not activated. Concerning the symbiotic interaction, molecular evidence suggesting that rhizobia alleviate As stress is for the first time provided. Chalcone synthase (which is involved in the first step of the legume-rhizobia cross-talk) was strongly enhanced, suggesting that the plants are biased to establish symbiotic interactions under As(III) stress. In contrast, 13 subsequent nodulation genes (involved in nodulation factors (Nod factors) perception, infection, thread initiation and progression, and nodule morphogenesis) were repressed. Overexpression of the ethylene responsive factor ERN in composite plants reduced root stress and partially restored nodulation, whereas overexpression of the early nodulin ENOD12 enhanced nodulation both in the presence and, particularly, in the absence of As, without affecting root elongation. Several transcription factors were identified, which could be additional targets for genetic engineering aiming to improve nodulation and/or alleviate root stress induced by this toxic. | 25,252,248 | [
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Peripheral ameloblastoma with dystrophic calcification: an unusual feature in non-calcifying odontogenic tumors. | Peripheral ameloblastoma is a rare extraosseous counterpart of central ameloblastoma that occurs in soft tissues and may cause bone crest resorption. This study reports a peripheral ameloblastoma on the buccal gingiva of a 56-year-old man, which presented extensive squamous metaplasia areas, keratinization and dystrophic calcifications in the neoplastic islands. It is emphasized the need of a detailed imaging study and a long follow-up period to exclude bone involvement whenever peripheral ameloblastoma diagnosis is considered. | 25,252,263 | [
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Brain activity: connectivity, sparsity, and mutual information. | We develop a new approach to functional brain connectivity analysis, which deals with four fundamental aspects of connectivity not previously jointly treated. These are: temporal correlation, spurious spatial correlation, sparsity, and network construction using trajectory (as opposed to marginal) Mutual Information. We call the new method Sparse Conditional Trajectory Mutual Information (SCoTMI). We demonstrate SCoTMI on simulated and real fMRI data, showing that SCoTMI gives more accurate and more repeatable detection of network links than competing network estimation methods. | 25,252,277 | [
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0.1999131,
-0.08045422,
-0.07273448,
-0.1143015,
0.1722482,
0.032848... |
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