bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of surveillance towed array sensor system (SURTASS) low frequency active sonar on fish
Authors: Popper Arthur N. , Halvorsen Michele B. , Miller Diane , Smith Michael E. , Song Jiakun , Wysocki Lidia E. , Hastings Mardi C. , Kane Andrew S. , Stein Peter
Published: October 2013

We investigated the effects of exposure to Low Frequency Active (LFA) sonar on rainbow trout (a hearing non-specialist related to several endangered salmonids) and channel catfish (a hearing specialist), using an element of the standard SURTASS LFA source array. We measured hearing sensitivity using auditory brainstem response, effects on inner ear structure using scanning electron microscopy, effects on non-auditory tissues using general pathology and histopathology, and behavioral effects with video monitoring. Exposure to 193 dB re 1 microPa (rms received level) in the LFA frequency band for 324 seconds resulted in a TTS of 20 dB at 400 Hz in rainbow trout, with less TTS at 100 and 200 Hz. TTS in catfish ranged from 6 to 12 dB at frequencies from 200 to 1000 Hz. Both species recovered from hearing loss in several days. Inner ears sensory tissues appeared unaffected by acoustic exposure. Gross pathology indicated no damage to non-auditory tissues, including the swim bladder. Both species showed consistent startle responses at sound onsets and changed their position relative to the sound source during exposures. There was no fish death attributable to sound exposure even up to four days post-exposure. [Work supported by Chief of Naval Operations.]
Tuberculosis: a missed opportunity for early diagnosis at the front line?
Authors: Lad Tanuj S , Packe Geoffrey E
Published: October 2013

Introduction

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) has increased over the last two decades. Many patients with TB preferentially access healthcare via the emergency department (ED) prediagnosis, presenting an early opportunity for diagnosis.

Methods

We looked at the number of patients who presented to ED in the 3 months prior to TB notification, and their outcomes.

Results

42% of all notifications had accessed ED prior to notification. The majority were hospitalised, with a proportion of these patients previously attending ED only to be discharged. 37% of patients were discharged from ED with many having TB symptoms, and only a minority referred onto TB clinic.

Conclusions

The ED is often the first contact that urban TB patients have with healthcare. Healthcare professionals should ensure this diagnosis is not missed in high incidence areas as it has significant clinical and infection control consequences.
Cystic apocrine hyperplasia is the most common finding in MRI detected breast lesions
Authors: Ginter Paula S , Winant Abbey J , Hoda Syed A
Published: October 2013

MRI of the breast is an increasingly employed modality for breast imaging due to its relatively high sensitivity for the detection of breast carcinoma. Cumulative data indicate that MRI of the breast has relatively higher sensitivity, but lower specificity than mammography. However, data regarding the diagnostic yield for particular types of breast lesions detected via breast MRI remain scant. Over a 3.5-year period, we evaluated histological findings of 192 needle core biopsies of MRI detected breast lesions. In this series, the positive predictive value of MRI detected lesions for breast carcinoma was 20%. Invasive carcinoma was diagnosed in 16/192 (8%) and in situ carcinoma in 22/192 (11%). The most commonly detected histological finding was cystic apocrine hyperplasia (19%), a benign entity.
Acute carotid stenting for treatment of stuttering transient ischemic attacks after recent carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Doss Vinodh T , Arthur Adam S , Watridge Clarence , Elijovich Lucas
Published: October 2013

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the established standard to treat occlusive extracranial atherosclerotic carotid disease. Complications of CEA must be recognized and dealt with efficiently due to the potentially catastrophic neurologic sequelae. A 67-year-old African American man was transferred from an outside hospital for an acute stroke. He had initially presented with a small right frontal subcortical infarct and had undergone a right CEA 2 days prior to transfer. He had a fluctuating examination with left-sided hemiplegia to slight hemiparesis and inconsistent neglect. Head CT demonstrated a watershed infarct of the right hemisphere. CT angiography demonstrated high grade stenosis at the distal aspect of the CEA anastomosis. He was promptly taken for angiography and underwent acute stenting of the right internal carotid artery. This case demonstrates that carotid artery stenting is a safe management strategy for the treatment of complications associated with failed distal anastomosis during CEA.
Mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire stent: is there a learning curve in achieving rapid recanalization times?
Authors: Eesa M , Burns P A , Almekhlafi M A , Menon B K , Wong J H , Mitha A , Morrish W , Demchuk A M , Goyal M
Published: October 2013

Methods

In acute ischemic stroke, good outcome following successful recanalization is time dependent. In patients undergoing endovascular therapy at our institution, recanalization times with the Solitaire stent were retrospectively evaluated to assess for the presence of a learning curve in achieving rapid recanalization.

Methods

We reviewed patients who presented to our stroke center and achieved successful recanalization with the Solitaire stent exclusively. Time intervals were calculated (CT to angiography arrival, angiography arrival to groin puncture, groin puncture to first deployment, and deployment to recanalization) from time stamped images and angiography records. Patients were divided into three sequential groups, with overall CT to recanalization time and subdivided time intervals compared.

Results

83 patients were treated with the Solitaire stent from May 2009 to February 2012. Recanalization (Thrombolyis in Cerebral Infarction score 2A) occurred in 75 (90.4%) patients. CT to recanalization demonstrated significant improvement over time, which was greatest between the first 25 and the most recent 25 cases (161–94 min; p<0.01). The maximal contribution to this was from improvements in first stent deployment to recanalization time (p=0.001 between the first and third groups), with modest contributions from moving patients from CT to the angiography suite faster (p=0.02 between the first and third groups) and from groin puncture to first stent deployment (p=0.02 between the first and third groups).

Conclusions

There is a learning curve involved in the efficient use of the Solitaire stent in endovascular acute stroke therapy. Along with improvements in patient transfer to angiography and improved efficiency with intracranial access, mastering this device contributed significantly towards reducing recanalization times.
Modeling piezocone cone penetration (CPTU) parameters of clays as a multivariate normal distribution
Authors: Ching Jianye , Phoon Kok-Kwang , Chen Chih-Hao
Published: October 2013

This study examines the possibility of modeling piezocone cone penetration (CPTU) cone tip resistance, excessive pore pressure behind the cone, undrained shear strength, and overconsolidation ratio of lightly overconsolidated clays as a multivariate normal distribution. This is part of a continuing study to develop a multivariate distribution that could be used to simulate common soil parameters at a clay site. This study compiles a large database consisting of 535 data points in which the CPTU parameters, undrained shear strength, and overconsolidation ratio are simultaneously measured in close proximity. A multivariate normal distribution is then used to capture the correlations between soil parameters of interest and to derive useful equations for Bayesian inference. This constructed multivariate normal distribution and equations are further validated by another independent database consisting of 594 data points as well as by empirical equations proposed in literature. The most useful outcome of this study is to provide a systematic and analytical method for updating the distributions of the normalized undrained shear strength and the overconsolidation ratio in the presence of CPTU parameters.
TRACE OF PHASE-SPACE NONCOMMUTATIVITY IN RESPONSE OF A FREE PARTICLE TO LINEARIZED GRAVITATIONAL WAVES
Authors: GANGOPADHYAY SUNANDAN , SAHA ANIRBAN , SAHA SWARUP
Published: October 2013

Interaction of linearized gravitational waves with a otherwise free particle has been studied quantum mechanically in a noncommutative (NC) phase-space to examine whether the particle's response to the gravitational wave gets modified due to spatial and/or momentum noncommutativity. The result shows that momentum noncommutativity introduces a oscillatory noise with a specific frequency determined by the fundamental momentum scale and particle mass. Because of the global nature of the phase-space noncommutativity such noise will have similar characteristics for all detector sites and thus will stand out in a data cross-correlation procedure. If detected, this noise will provide evidence of momentum noncommutativity and also an estimation of the relevant noncommutative parameter.
Effect of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide on postprandial hepatic glucose metabolism in the conscious dog
Authors: Moore Mary Courtney , Werner Ulrich , Smith Marta S. , Farmer Tiffany D. , Cherrington Alan D.
Published: October 2013

The impact of the GLP-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide on postprandial glucose disposition was examined in conscious dogs to identify mechanisms for its improvement of meal tolerance in humans and examine the tissue disposition of meal-derived carbohydrate. Catheterization for measurement of hepatic balance occurred ≈16 days before study. After being fasted overnight, dogs received a subcutaneous injection of 1.5 μg/kg lixisenatide or vehicle (saline, control; n = 6/group). Thirty minutes later, they received an oral meal feeding (93.4 kJ; 19% protein, 71% glucose polymers, and 10% lipid). Acetaminophen was included in the meal in four control and five lixisenatide dogs for assessment of gastric emptying. Observations continued for 510 min; absorption was incomplete in lixisenatide at that point. The plasma acetaminophen area under the curve (AUC) in lixisenatide was 65% of that in control ( P < 0.05). Absorption of the meal began within 15 min in control but was delayed until ≈30–45 min in lixisenatide. Lixisenatide reduced ( P < 0.05) the postprandial arterial glucose AUC ≈54% and insulin AUC ≈44%. Net hepatic glucose uptake did not differ significantly between groups. Nonhepatic glucose uptake tended to be reduced by lixisenatide (6,151 ± 4,321 and 10,541 ± 1,854 μmol·kg−1·510 min−1in lixisenatide and control, respectively; P = 0.09), but adjusted (for glucose and insulin concentrations) values did not differ (18.9 ± 3.8 and 19.6 ± 7.9 l·kg−1·pmol−1·l−1, lixisenatide and control, respectively; P = 0.94). Thus, lixisenatide delays gastric emptying, allowing more efficient disposal of the carbohydrate in the feeding without increasing liver glucose disposal. Lixisenatide could prove to be a valuable adjunct in treatment of postprandial hyperglycemia in impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes.
Association of Serum Adiponectin, Leptin, and Resistin Concentrations with the Severity of Liver Dysfunction and the Disease Complications in Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Kasztelan-Szczerbinska Beata , Surdacka Agata , Slomka Maria , Rolinski Jacek , Celinski Krzysztof , Smolen Agata , Szczerbinski Mariusz
Published: October 2013

Background and aims. There is growing evidence that white adipose tissue is an important contributor in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We investigated serum concentrations of total adiponectin (Acrp30), leptin, and resistin in patients with chronic alcohol abuse and different grades of liver dysfunction, as well as ALD complications.Materials and Methods. One hundred forty-seven consecutive inpatients with ALD were prospectively recruited. The evaluation of plasma adipokine levels was performed using immunoenzymatic ELISA tests. Multivariable logistic regression was applied in order to select independent predictors of advanced liver dysfunction and the disease complications.Results. Acrp30 and resistin levels were significantly higher in patients with ALD than in controls. Lower leptin levels in females with ALD compared to controls, but no significant differences in leptin concentrations in males, were found. High serum Acrp30 level revealed an independent association with advanced liver dysfunction, as well as the development of ALD complications, that is, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy.Conclusion. Gender-related differences in serum leptin concentrations may influence the ALD course, different in females compared with males. Serum Acrp30 level may serve as a potential prognostic indicator for patients with ALD.
Genotoxicity Assessment of Multispecies Probiotics Using Reverse Mutation, Mammalian Chromosomal Aberration, and Rodent Micronucleus Tests
Authors: Chiu Yi-Jen , Nam Mun-Kit , Tsai Yueh-Ting , Huang Chun-Chi , Tsai Cheng-Chih
Published: October 2013

Genotoxicity assessment is carried out on freeze dried powder of cultured probiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus LCR177, Bifidobacterium adolescentis BA286, and Pediococcus acidilactici PA318. Ames tests, in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration assay, and micronucleus tests in mouse peripheral blood are performed. For 5 strains of Salmonella Typhimurium, the Ames tests show no increased reverse mutation upon exposure to the test substance. In CHO cells, the frequency of chromosome aberration does not increase in responding to the treatment of probiotics. Likewise, the frequency of micronucleated reticulocytes in probiotics‐fed mice is indistinguishable from that in the negative control group. Taken together, the toxicity assessment studies suggest that the multispecies probiotic mixture does not have mutagenic effects on various organisms.
Transcriptome Profile Analysis of Sugarcane Responses toSporisorium scitamineaInfection Using Solexa Sequencing Technology
Authors: Wu Qibin , Xu Liping , Guo Jinlong , Su Yachun , Que Youxiong
Published: October 2013

To understand the molecular basis of sugarcane-smut interaction, it is important to identify sugarcane genes that respond to the pathogen attack. High-throughput tag-sequencing (tag-seq) analysis by Solexa technology was performed on sugarcane infected withSporisorium scitaminea, which should have massively increased the amount of data available for transcriptome profile analysis. After mapping to sugarcane EST databases in NCBI, we obtained 2015 differentially expressed genes, of which 1125 were upregulated and 890 downregulated by infection. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes involve in many cellular processes. Pathway analysis revealed that metabolic pathways and ribosome function are significantly affected, where upregulation of expression dominates over downregulation. Differential expression of three candidate genes involved in MAP kinase signaling pathway,ScBAK1(GenBank Accession number: KC857629),ScMapkk(GenBank Accession number: KC857627), andScGloI(GenBank Accession number: KC857628), was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis concluded that the expression of these genes were all up-regulated after the infection ofS. scitamineaand may play a role in pathogen response in sugarcane. The present study provides insights into the molecular mechanism of sugarcane defense toS. scitamineainfection, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of sugarcane-smut interaction.
Element-Free Galerkin Method Based on Block-Pulse Wavelets Integration for Solving Fourth-Order Obstacle Problem
Authors: Azam Muhammad , Parvez Khalid , Omair Muhammad
Published: October 2013

We introduce improved element-free Galerkin method based on block pulse wavelet integration for numerical approximations to the solution of a system of fourth-order boundary-value problems associated with obstacle, unilateral, and contact problems. Moving least squares (MLS) approach is used to construct shape functions with optimized weight functions and basis. Numerical results for test problems are presented in this article to elaborate the pertinent features for the proposed technique. Comparison with existing techniques shows that our proposed method based on integration technique provides better approximation at reduced computational cost.
The Cell Wall Sensors Mtl1, Wsc1, and Mid2 Are Required for Stress-Induced Nuclear to Cytoplasmic Translocation of Cyclin C and Programmed Cell Death in Yeast
Authors: Jin Chunyan , Parshin Andrey V. , Daly Ira , Strich Randy , Cooper Katrina F.
Published: October 2013

Mtl1 is a member of a cell wall sensor family that monitors cell wall integrity in budding yeast. In response to cell wall stress, Mtl1 activates the cell wall integrity (CWI) MAP kinase pathway which transmits this signal to the nucleus to effect changes in gene expression. One target of the CWI MAP kinase is cyclin C, a negative regulator of stress response genes. CWI activation results in cyclin C relocalization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where it stimulates programmed cell death (PCD) before it is destroyed. This report demonstrates that under low oxidative stress conditions, a combination of membrane sensors, Mtl1 and either Wsc1 or Mid2, are required jointly to transmit the oxidative stress signal to initiate cyclin C destruction. However, when exposed to elevated oxidative stress, additional pathways independent of these three sensor proteins are activated to destroy cyclin C. In addition,N-glycosylation is important for Mtl1 function as mutating the receptor residue (Asn42) or an enzyme required for synthesis ofN-acetylglucosamine (Gfa1) reduces sensor activity. Finally, combininggfa1-1with the cyclin C null allele induces a severe synthetic growth defect. This surprising result reveals a previously unknown genetic interaction between cyclin C and plasma membrane integrity.
Glandular Trichomes and Essential Oil of Thymus quinquecostatus
Authors: Jia Ping , Liu Hanzhu , Gao Ting , Xin Hua
Published: October 2013

The distribution and types of glandular trichomes and essential oil chemistry of Thymus quinquecostatus were studied. The glandular trichomes are distributed on the surface of stem, leaf, rachis, calyx and corolla, except petiole, pistil and stamen. Three morphologically distinct types of glandular trichomes are described. Peltate trichomes, consisting of a basal cell, a stalk cell and a 12‐celled head, are distributed on the stem, leaf, corolla and outer side of calyx. Capitate trichomes, consisting of a unicellular base, a 1–2‐celled stalk and a unicellular head, are distributed more diffusely than peltate ones, existing on stem, leaf, rachis and calyx. Digitiform trichomes are just distributed on the outer side of corolla, consisting of 1 basal cell, 3 stalk cells and 1 head cell. All three types of glandular trichomes can secrete essential oil, and in small capitate trichomes of rachis, all peltate trichomes and digitiform trichomes, essential oil is stored in a large subcuticular space, released by cuticle rupture, whereas, in other capitate trichomes, essential oil crosses the thin cuticle. The essential oil of T. quinquecostatus is yellow, and its content is highest in the growth period. 68 constituents were identified in the essential oils. The main constituent is linalool.
340 nm Bandwidth Automatic Dynamic Optical Equalizer for CWDM Networks
Authors: Dupont Samuel H. , Kastelik Jean-Claude , Gazalet Joseph
Published: October 2013

This paper presents an automatic optical equalizer based on a pair of in-house developed high efficiency, acousto-optic variable optical attenuators (AO-VOAs). The system is polarization insensitive and presents a wide bandwidth compatible with coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) requirements: 340 nm. The system operation is automatic and bidirectional and equalization is obtained in one single iteration of algorithm loop.
TNF-Alpha Levels in Tears: A Novel Biomarker to Assess the Degree of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Costagliola C. , Romano V. , De Tollis M. , Aceto F. , dell’Omo R. , Romano M. R. , Pedicino C. , Semeraro F.
Published: October 2013

We assess the level of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in tear fluids and other serum parameters associated with diabetes in different degrees of diabetic retinopathy. We have performed a prospective, nonrandomized, observational study. Study population consisted of 16 healthy subjects (controls) and 32 type 2 diabetic patients: 16 affected by proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and 16 with nonproliferative retinopathy (NDPR, background/preproliferative). Body mass index, urinary albumin, blood glucose, HbA1c, and tear levels of TNF-alpha were measured in all subjects. The value of glycaemia, microalbuminurea, and Body mass index in diabetic retinopathy groups were higher than those in control group (). Glycemia in NPDR: 6.6 mmol/L (range: 5.8–6.3); in PDR: 6.7 mmol/L (range: 6.1–7.2); in control: 5.7 mmol/L (range: 4.9–6.1); microalbuminurea in NPDR: 10.6 mg/L (range: 5.6–20); in PDR: 25.2 mg/L (range: 17–40); in control: 5.3 mg/L (range: 2.6–10); Body mass index in NPDR: 26 Kg/m2(range: 20.3–40); in PDR: 28 Kg/m2(range 20.3–52); in control: 21 Kg/m2(range 19–26). The TNF-alpha concentrations in tears increase with the severity of pathology and were lower in control group than in diabetic subjects. In the end, the level of TNF-alpha is highly correlated with severity of diabetic retinopathy and with nephropathy. Tear fluid collection may be a useful noninvasive method for the detection of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Permanence and Almost Periodic Solution for an Enterprise Cluster Model Based on Ecology Theory with Feedback Controls on Time Scales
Authors: Zhi Yuanhong , Ding Zunling , Li Yongkun
Published: October 2013

We present a model with feedback controls based on ecology theory, which effectively describes the competition and cooperation of enterprise cluster in real economic environments. Applying the comparison theorem of dynamic equations on time scales and constructing a suitable Lyapunov functional, sufficient conditions which guarantee the permanence and the existence of uniformly asymptotically stable almost periodic solution of the system are obtained.
Chronic Deep Brain Stimulation of the Hypothalamic Nucleus in Wistar Rats Alters Circulatory Levels of Corticosterone and Proinflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Calleja-Castillo Juan Manuel , De La Cruz-Aguilera Dora Luz , Manjarrez Joaquín , Velasco-Velázquez Marco Antonio , Morales-Espinoza Gabriel , Moreno-Aguilar Julia , Hernández Maria Eugenia , Aguirre-Cruz Lucinda , Pavón Lenin
Published: October 2013

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a therapeutic option for several diseases, but its effects on HPA axis activity and systemic inflammation are unknown. This study aimed to detect circulatory variations of corticosterone and cytokines levels in Wistar rats, after 21 days of DBS-at the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMHvl), unilateral cervical vagotomy (UCVgX), or UCVgX plus DBS. We included the respective control (C) and sham (S) groups (n=6rats per group). DBS treated rats had higher levels of TNF-α(120%;P<0.01) and IFN-γ(305%;P<0.001) but lower corticosterone concentration (48%;P<0.001) than C and S. UCVgX animals showed increased corticosterone levels (154%;P<0.001) versus C and S. UCVgX plus DBS increased IL-1β(402%;P<0.001), IL-6 (160%;P<0.001), and corsticosterone (178%;P<0.001versus 48%;P<0.001) compared with the C and S groups. Chronic DBS at VMHvl induced a systemic inflammatory response accompanied by a decrease of HPA axis function. UCVgX rats experienced HPA axis hyperactivity as result of vagus nerve injury; however, DBS was unable to block the HPA axis hyperactivity induced by unilateral cervical vagotomy. Further studies are necessary to explore these findings and their clinical implication.
Marjoram Extract as Corrosion Inhibitor for Dissolution of Zinc in 1.0 M HCl
Authors: Sobhi M.
Published: October 2013

In this study, water marjoram (Origanum marjoranaL.) extract was evaluated as corrosion inhibitor for zinc in 1.0 M HCl solution. The polarization measurements showed that this inhibitor is acting as mixed inhibitors for both anodic and cathodic reactions. The results showed that the inhibition efficiency was increased by increasing the inhibitor doses and reached the maximum at 500 ppm. The adsorption of marjoram extract on zinc surface was found to obey Langmuir type isotherm. The efficiency obtained from the impedance measurements was in good agreement with those obtained from the gravimetrical, thermometric, and polarization techniques which prove the validity of these tolls in the measurements of the tested inhibitor.
A Class of New Metrics forn-Dimensional Unit Hypercube
Authors: Lu Guoxiang
Published: October 2013

We study the metric on then-dimensional unit hypercube. We introduce a class of new metrics for the space, which is information theoretically motivated and has close relation to Jensen-Shannon divergence. These metrics are obtained by discussing a functionFDα(P,Q)with the parameterα. We come to the conclusion that the sufficient and necessary condition of the function being a metric is0<α≤1/2. Finally, by computing basic examples of codons, we show some numerical comparison of the new metrics to the former metric.
Pyroglutamate-Modified Amyloid-β Protein Demonstrates Similar Properties in an Alzheimer's Disease Familial Mutant Knock-In Mouse and Alzheimer's Disease Brain
Authors: Wu Guoxin , Miller Ronald A. , Connolly Brett , Marcus Jacob , Renger John , Savage Mary J.
Published: October 2013

Background: N-terminally truncated, pyroglutamate-modified amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides are major constituents of amyloid deposits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Using a newly developed ELISA for Aβ modified at glutamate 3 with a pyroglutamate (pE3Aβ), brain pE3Aβ was characterized in human AD in an AD mouse model harboring double knock-in amyloid precursor protein (APP)-KM670/671NL and presenilin 1 (PS1)-P264L (APP/PS1-dKI) mutations, and in a second mouse model with transgenic overexpression of human APP695 with APP-KM670/671NL (Tg2576). Results: pE3Aβ increased in the AD brain versus age-matched controls, with pE3Aβ/total Aβ at 45 and 10%, respectively. Compared to controls, the AD brain demonstrated 8.5-fold increased pE3Aβ compared to non-pE3Aβ species, which increased 2.7-fold. In the APP/PS1-dKI brain, pE3Aβ/total Aβ increased from 7% at 3 months to 16 and 19% at 15 and 19 months, respectively. In Tg2576, pE3Aβ/total Aβ was only 1.5% at 19 months, suggesting that APP/PS1-dKI, despite less total Aβ compared to Tg2576 at comparable ages, more closely mimics AD brain pathology. Conclusion: This report supports a significant role for pE3Aβ in AD pathogenesis by confirming that pE3Aβ represents a large fraction of Aβ within the AD brain. Compared to the age-matched control brain, pE3Aβ increased to a greater extent compared to Aβ species without this N-terminal modification. Further, the APP/PS1-dKI model more closely resembles the AD brain in this regard, compared to the Tg2576 model.
5-Hydroxytryptamine 1A and 2B Serotonin Receptors in Neurite Outgrowth: Involvement of Early Growth Response Protein 1
Authors: Anelli Tonino , Cardarelli Silvia , Ori Michela , Nardi Irma , Biagioni Stefano , Poiana Giancarlo
Published: October 2013

Neurotransmitters play important roles in neurogenesis; in particular, acetylcholine and serotonin may regulate neurite elongation. Acetylcholine may also activate transcription factors such as early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1), which plays a role in neurite extension. N18TG2 neuroblastoma cells (which do not produce neurotransmitters and constitutively express muscarinic acetylcholine receptors) were transfected with constructs containing the cDNA for choline acetyltransferase, 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) and 5-HT2B serotonin receptors to study acetylcholine and serotonin interplay in neurite outgrowth. 5-HT1A receptor stimulation causes a decrease in EGR-1 levels and inhibition of neurite outgrowth; 5-HT2B stimulation, however, has no effect. Muscarinic cholinergic stimulation, on the other end, increases EGR-1 levels and fiber outgrowth. Inhibition of EGR-1 binding reduces fiber outgrowth activity. When both cholinergic and 5-HT1A receptors are stimulated, fiber outgrowth is restored; therefore, acetylcholine counterbalances the inhibitory effect of serotonin on neurite outgrowth. These results suggest that EGR-1 plays a role in the interplay of acetylcholine and serotonin in the regulation of neurite extension during development.
Clinical Profile and Prognostic Significance of Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tian Tao , Wang Yilu , Sun Kai , Wang Jizheng , Zou Yubao , Zhang Weili , Bao Jingru , Zhu Ling , Shen Hu , Hui Rutai , Zhou Xianliang , Song Lei
Published: October 2013

Objectives: The clinical outcomes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are largely unpredictable. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF) and its prognostic implications in Chinese patients with HCM. Methods: From 1999 to 2011, 654 unrelated HCM patients were consecutively recruited at Fuwai Hospital. Medical history, including electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data, was analyzed. Results: AF was documented in 158 patients (24%). During follow-up of 4.2 ± 2.8 years, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the presence of AF was associated with an increased risk for all-cause death (p = 0.001), cardiovascular death (p < 0.001), severe heart failure (p < 0.001) and ischemic stroke (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified AF as an independent predictor of stroke-related death (HR 6.71, 95% CI 1.23-38.58, p = 0.03), advanced heart failure (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.04-3.22, p = 0.04) and ischemic stroke (HR 9.98, 95% CI 4.06-24.53, p < 0.001). Furthermore, enlarged left atrial diameter was positively related to all-cause death (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.13, p < 0.001), cardiovascular death (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.20, p < 0.001) and development of advanced heart failure (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.10, p = 0.01). Conclusions: AF predicts poor outcomes for patients with HCM. Left atrial dilation is also related to an adverse prognosis and provides additional prognostic information.
Sex-Related Differences in Fractional Flow Reserve–Guided Treatment
Authors: Li Jing , Rihal Charanjit S. , Matsuo Yoshiki , Elrashidi Muhamad Y. , Flammer Andreas J. , Lee Moo-Sik , Cassar Andrew , Lennon Ryan J. , Herrmann Joerg , Bell Malcolm R. , Holmes David R. , Bresnahan John F. , Hua Qi , Lerman Lilach O. , Lerman Amir
Published: October 2013

Background—

Sex-specific differences affect the evaluation, treatment, and prognosis of coronary artery disease. We tested the hypothesis that long-term outcomes of fractional flow reserve (FFR)–guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are different between women and men.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive 1090 patients, referred for PCI and undergoing FFR measurements at the Mayo Clinic between October 2002 and December 2009, were included in this registry study. Clinical events were compared between the sexes during a median follow-up of 50.9 months. Of all patients, women had higher FFR adjusted by visual coronary stenosis than men (
P
=0.03). The Kaplan–Meier percent of major adverse cardiac events at 5 years was 35% in women and 38% in men (
P
=0.54). Interestingly, in patients undergoing PCI with an FFR <0.75, the incidence of death or myocardial infarction was significantly higher in women than in men (hazard ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–4.51;
P
=0.04). Moreover, compared with patients with FFR >0.80, deferral of PCI for those with FFR between 0.75 and 0.80 was associated with an increased rate of major adverse cardiac events, particularly death or myocardial infarction in women (hazard ratio, 3.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.56–6.74;
P
=0.002) and revascularization in men (hazard ratio, 2.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.66–4.54;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Long-term outcome differs between women and men undergoing FFR-guided PCI. Our data suggest that the sex-based treatment strategy is necessary to further optimize prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease.
Dynamic Prediction Modeling Approaches for Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Hickey Graeme L. , Grant Stuart W. , Caiado Camila , Kendall Simon , Dunning Joel , Poullis Michael , Buchan Iain , Bridgewater Ben
Published: October 2013

Background—

The calibration of several cardiac clinical prediction models has deteriorated over time. We compare different model fitting approaches for in-hospital mortality after cardiac surgery that adjust for cross-sectional case mix in a heterogeneous patient population.

Methods and Results—

Data from >300 000 consecutive cardiac surgery procedures performed at all National Health Service and some private hospitals in England and Wales between April 2001 and March 2011 were extracted from the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research clinical registry. The study outcome was in-hospital mortality. Model approaches included not updating, periodic refitting, rolling window, and dynamic logistic regression. Covariate adjustment was made in each model using variables included in the logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation model. The association between in-hospital mortality and some variables changed with time. Notably, the intercept coefficient has been steadily decreasing during the study period, consistent with decreasing observed mortality. Some risk factors, such as operative urgency and postinfarct ventricular septal defect, have been relatively stable over time, whereas other risk factors, such as left ventricular function and surgery on the thoracic aorta, have been associated with lower risk relative to the static model.

Conclusions—

Dynamic models or periodic model refitting is necessary to counteract calibration drift. A dynamic modeling framework that uses contemporary and available historic data can provide a continuously smooth update mechanism that also allows for inferences to be made on individual risk factors. Better models that withstand the effects of time give advantages for governance, quality improvement, and patient-level decision making.
Species-groups and biogeography of the oribatid mite family Malaconothridae (Oribatida: Malaconothroidea), with new species from the south-western Pacific region
Authors: COLLOFF MATTHEW J.
Published: October 2013

Seven new species of Malaconothridae from Papua New Guinea are described: Tyrphonothrus papuensis sp. nov., Malaconothrus dispela sp. nov., M. gogolensis sp. nov., M. laensis sp. nov., M. liklik sp. nov., M. murmurensis sp. nov. and M. weigmanni sp. nov.; one from New Caledonia: Tyrphonothrus kanaka sp. nov. and three new species from Australia: Tyrphonothrus seniczaki sp. nov. from Victoria, T. kimberleyi sp. nov. and Malaconothrus tidbinbilla sp. nov. from the Australian Capital Territory. These, and previously-described malaconothrids from Australia, are allocated to a series of species groups based on shared characters (Tyrphonothrus: Maior, Sacculus and Crassisetosus; Malaconothrus: Marginatus, Monodactylus, Crispus, Plumosus and Opisthoseta). The species groups were assessed against (a) the biogeographical distribution of their component species and (b) the phylogenetic relatedness of those species. The majority of species groups have a cosmopolitan or semi-cosmopolitan distribution, with the Crassisetosus and Opisthoseta groups distributed on former Gondwanan continents. These findings are consistent with the conclusion of Hammer and Wallwork (1979) that Malaconothridae evolved as part of the Pangaean fauna and that the Opisthoseta group evolved after Gondwana had separated from Laurasia.
The Treatment of Comorbid Anxiety in a Male With Poorly Controlled Diabetes in a Very Remote Primary Health Care Service
Authors: Caldwell Julia M. , Patterson-Kane Lisa
Published: October 2013

Rural Australians are shown to have poorer health and mental-health outcomes compared with their metropolitan counterparts, particularly for diabetes. Individuals with diabetes often meet criteria for comorbid mental-health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Psychological treatment, as an adjunct to medical care, for individuals with diabetes is shown to improve overall health and wellbeing. This article describes a 38-year-old male who was referred to a very remote primary health care service by his diabetes educator for strategies to reduce work-related stress and improve his diabetes mismanagement. Mindfulness-based cognitive behavior therapy techniques were used, over six sessions, in the context of a rural and very remote community. Pre- and post-intervention measures showed a reduction in anxiety, distress, and improvement in his perception of his quality of life. Clinical implications for psychological treatment of diabetes and comorbid mental-health issues in rural and remote communities are discussed.
USP9X expression correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Peng Jing , Hu Qian , Liu Weiping , He Xiaoli , Cui Ling , Chen Xinlian , Yang Mei , Liu Hongqian , Wei Wei , Liu Shanling , Wang He
Published: October 2013

Background

Ubiquitination is a reversible process of posttranslational protein modification through the action of the family of deubiquitylating enzymes which contain ubiquitin-specific protease 9x (USP9X). Recent evidence indicates that USP9X is involved in the progression of various human cancers. The aim was to detect the expression of USP9X in the progression from normal epithelium to invasive esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) and evaluate the relevance of USP9X expression to the tumor progression and prognosis.

Methods

In this study, USP9X immunohistochemical analysis was performed on tissues constructed from ESCC combined with either normal epithelium or adjacent precursor tissues of 102 patients. All analyses were performed by SPSS 13.0 software.

Results

We observed that the level of high USP9X expression increased gradually in the transformation from normal epithelium (4.0%), to low grade intraepithelial neoplasia (10.5%), then to high grade intraepithelial neoplasia (28.6%), and finally to invasive ESCC (40.2%). The expression of USP9X was found to be significantly different between the normal mucosa and ESCC (P < 0.001), and between low grade intraepithelial neoplasia and high grade intraepithelial neoplasia (p = 0.012). However, no difference was observed between the high expression of USP9X in normal mucosa and low grade intraepithelial neoplasia (P = 0.369), nor between high grade intraepithelial neoplasia and ESCC (p = 0.115). Interestingly, the most intensive staining for USP9X was usually observed in the basal and lower spinous layers of the esophageal epithelium with precursor lesions which often resulted in the earliest malignant lesion. USP9X expression status was positively associated with both depth of invasion (p = 0.046) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.032). Increased USP9X expression was significantly correlated to poorer survival rate in ESCC patients (p = 0.001). When adjusted by multivariate analysis, USP9X expression (HR 2.066, P = 0.005), together with TNM stage (HR 1.702, P = 0.042) was an independent predictor for overall survival.

Conclusions

Up-regulation of USP9X plays an important role in formation and progression of precancerous lesions in ESCC and USP9X expression levels were significantly correlated with the survival of ESCC patients. Thus, USP9X could be considered as a potential biomarker and prognostic predictor for ESCC.

Virtual slides

The virtual slides for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1945302932102737
Lack of change in urate deposition by dual-energy computed tomography among clinically stable patients with long-standing tophaceous gout: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Rajan Ashwin , Aati Opetaia , Kalluru Ramanamma , Gamble Gregory D , Horne Anne , Doyle Anthony J , McQueen Fiona M , Dalbeth Nicola
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has potential for monitoring urate deposition in patients with gout. The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to analyse measurement error of DECT urate volume measurement in clinically stable patients with tophaceous gout.

Methods

Seventy-three patients with tophaceous gout on stable therapy attended study visits at baseline and twelve months. All patients had a comprehensive clinical assessment including serum urate testing and DECT scanning of both feet. Two readers analysed the DECT scans for the total urate volume in both feet. Analysis included inter-reader intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and limits of agreement, and calculation of the smallest detectable change.

Results

Mean (standard deviation) serum urate concentration over the study period was 0.38 (0.09) mmol/L. Urate-lowering therapy was prescribed in 70 (96%) patients. The median (interquartile range) baseline DECT urate volume was 0.49 (0.16, 2.18) cm3, and change in DECT urate volume was -0.01 (-0.40, 0.28) cm3. Inter-reader ICCs were 1.00 for baseline DECT volumes and 0.93 for change values. Inter-reader bias (standard deviation) for baseline volumes was -0.18 (0.63) cm3 and for change was -0.10 (0.93) cm3. The smallest detectable change was 0.91 cm3. There were 47 (64%) patients with baseline DECT urate volumes <0.91 cm3. Higher serum urate concentrations were observed in patients with increased DECT urate volumes above the smallest detectable change (P = 0.006). However, a relationship between changes in DECT urate volumes and serum urate concentrations was not observed in the entire group.

Conclusions

In patients with tophaceous gout on stable conventional urate-lowering therapy the measurement error for DECT urate volume assessment is substantially greater than the median baseline DECT volume. Analysis of patients commencing or intensifying urate-lowering therapy should clarify the optimal use of DECT as a potential outcome measure in studies of chronic gout.
Palladium-catalyzed Cycloaddition of Alkynyl Aryl Ethers to Allenes to Form a 2,3-Bismethylidene-2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzopyran Framework
Authors: Minami Yasunori , Kanda Mayuko , Hiyama Tamejiro
Published: October 2013

Palladium-catalyzed cycloaddition of alkynyl aryl ethers to allenes proceeds through o-C–H activation to give 2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzopyran derivatives containing 2,3-exo-double bonds. These benzopyran derivatives further cycloadd stereoselectively to dienophiles to give condensed polycycles.
Synthesis and Enantioselective Permeability of One-handed Helical Multihydroxy Poly(phenylacetylene) Membrane by In Situ Removal of the Original Chiral Substituents
Authors: Liu Lijia , Mottate Kazuomi , Aoki Toshiki , Kaneko Takashi , Teraguchi Masahiro
Published: October 2013

An insoluble chiral membrane of one-handed helical multihydroxy poly(phenylacetylene) without the coexistence of any other chiral moieties has been synthesized by in situ complete removal of a one-handed helical poly(phenylacetylene) having multihydroxymethyl groups and chiral pinanyl groups in each polymeric unit in the membrane state. Although the enantiopermselectivity was decreased, the permeability increased four times by removing the chiral groups. In comparison with the corresponding poly(phenylacetylene) having no hydroxymethyl groups and chiral pinanyl groups, the loss of enantiopermselectivity was much lower. It is believed that the multihydroxy groups could maintain the main-chain chirality or enhanced interaction with permeant.
The expression profile of miR-23b is not altered in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Remakova Martina , Svitalkova Tana , Skoda Marek , Vencovsky Jiri , Novota Peter
Published: October 2013

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) belong to a group of autoimmune disorders, primarily characterized by chronic inflammation of human skeletal muscle tissue. The etiology of these diseases is unknown, however, genetic predisposition plays a significant role in disease onset. Beside the known genetic risk located in the MHC complex, the epigenetic modifications including changes in miRNAs expression profiles have been recently implicated recently in many autoimmune diseases. Micro RNA molecules are involved in many physiological processes, including the regulation of the immune response.

In our study we have focused on the miR-23b, as it represents a novel promising autoimmunity regulator molecule. Downregulation of miR-23b was recently described in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. We have measured the expression miR-23b peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis. No meaningful difference was found in comparison with healthy controls.
Teaching Notes—BlueSky Airlines: Single-Leg Revenue Management (A–C)
Authors: Shumsky Robert A.
Published: October 2013

Case Teaching Note: Interested Instructors please see the Instructor Materials page for access to the restricted materials. To maintain the integrity and usefulness of cases published in ITE, unapproved distribution of the case teaching notes and other restricted materials to any other party is prohibited.
Teaching Note—All of Britain Must Be Stoned!
Authors: Cochran James J.
Published: October 2013

Case Teaching Note: Interested Instructors please see the Instructor Materials page for access to the restricted materials. To maintain the integrity and usefulness of cases published in ITE, unapproved distribution of the case teaching notes and other restricted materials to any other party is prohibited.
Profiles in Leadership: Donald E. Francke, MSc, DSc (Hon)
Authors: Stevenson James G. , Beham Rachel E. , Weber Robert J.
Published: October 2013

The Director's Forum series is designed to guide pharmacy leaders in establishing patient-centered services in hospitals and health systems. August 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of the publication of the Mirror to Hospital Pharmacy, the results of a federally funded comprehensive study of pharmacy services in the United States. The late Don E. Francke, MS, DSc, was the lead author of the Mirror and the principal investigator for the US Public Health Service grant W-45. To celebrate the anniversary of the Mirror, the Director's Forum is profiling the leadership styles of Drs. Latiolais and Francke. September's article highlighted Dr. Clifton J. Latiolais; this month's Director's Forum reviews Dr. Francke's biography and key career accomplishments, describes his leadership philosophy, and translates that philosophy to today's health care challenges. Don's influence on health system pharmacy serves as an example of effective leadership. This historical perspective provides directors of pharmacy a valuable leadership view as they develop strategies to enhance patient-centered pharmacy services.