bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Errors in Shoulder Joint Position Sense Mainly Come from the Glenohumeral Joint
Authors: Lin Yin-Liang , Karduna Andrew
Published: October 2016

While synchronous movement of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints has been emphasized in previous kinematics studies, most investigations of shoulder joint position sense have treated the shoulder complex as a single joint. The purposes of this study were to investigate the joint position sense errors of the humerothoracic, glenohumeral, and scapulothoracic joints at different elevation angles and to examine whether the errors of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints contribute to the errors of the humerothoracic joint. Fifty-one subjects with healthy shoulders were recruited. Active joint position sense of the humerothoracic, glenohumeral, and scapulothoracic joints was measured at 50°, 70°, and 90° of humerothoracic elevation in the scapular plane. The results showed that while scapulothoracic joint position sense errors were not affected by target angles, there was an angle effect on humerothoracic and glenohumeral errors, with errors decreasing as the target angles approached 90° of elevation. The results of a multiple regression analysis revealed that glenohumeral errors explained most of the variance of the humerothoracic errors and that scapulothoracic errors had a weaker predictive relationship with humerothoracic errors. Therefore, it may be necessary to test scapular joint position sense separately in addition to the assessment of the overall shoulder joint position sense.
Exercise Test Performance Reveals Evidence of the Cardiorespiratory Fitness Hypothesis
Authors: Billinger Sandra A. , Vidoni Eric D. , Morris Jill K. , Thyfault John P. , Burns Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2016

Positive physiologic and cognitive responses to aerobic exercise have resulted in a proposed cardiorespiratory (CR) fitness hypothesis in which fitness gains drive changes leading to cognitive benefit. The purpose of this study was to directly assess the CR fitness hypothesis. Using data from an aerobic exercise trial, we examined individuals who completed cardiopulmonary and cognitive testing at baseline and 26 weeks. Change in cognitive test performance was not related to CR fitness change (r2 = .06, p = .06). However, in the subset of individuals who gave excellent effort during exercise testing, change in cognitive test performance was related to CR fitness change (r2 = .33, p < .01). This was largely due to change in the cognitive domain of attention (r2 = .36, p < .01). The magnitude of change was not explained by duration of exercise. Our findings support further investigation of the CR fitness hypothesis and mechanisms by which physiologic adaptation may drive cognitive change.
A Longitudinal Study of Physical Fitness in Elite Junior Tennis Players
Authors: Kramer Tamara , Huijgen Barbara C.H. , Elferink-Gemser Marije T. , Visscher Chris
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

To analyze how physical fitness (PF) improves in elite junior tennis players related to age, maturity, and performance level.

Methods:

Elite junior tennis players (n = 113 boys, n = 83 girls) divided by performance level were monitored longitudinally from U14 to U16. Maturity, upper and lower-body power, speed, and agility were measured during subsequent competitive seasons. Improvement was analyzed per sex using multilevel analysis.

Results:

PF components for boys and girls improved over age (U14-U16) (ES .53–.97). In boys, the more mature boys outscored the less mature boys in upper and lower-body power from U14-U16. In girls, high-ranked girls outscored lower-ranked girls on lower-body power, speed, and agility (U14-U16) (p < .05).

Conclusion:

Boys and girls improved on all PF components during U14-U16. In boys, power was related to maturity. In girls, lower-body power, speed, and agility were related to tennis performance. This has important implications for talent development.
Validity of Skinfold Equations, Against Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, in Predicting Body Composition in Adolescent Pentathletes
Authors: Fonseca-Junior Sidnei Jorge , Oliveira Aldair J. , Loureiro Luiz Lannes , Pierucci Anna Paola Trindade
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

Body composition of adolescent athletes is often evaluated scientifically and in sports by using reference equations developed from nonathlete adolescent populations. The aim of this study was to analyze the validity of predictive equations based on skinfold measurements, as compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to estimate body fat in adolescent modern pentathlon athletes.

Methods:

51 athletes, 27 male (mean age = 15.1 years; standard deviation, SD = 1.5 years) and 24 female (mean age = 14.2 years; SD = 2.5 years), were assessed using DXA, anthropometric parameters, sports practice anamnesis, and pubertal stages. Agreement between methods was tested with boxplots of mean comparisons using Student’s t test (p < .05), and Bland-Altman plots.

Results:

The body density equations of Durnin & Rahaman (1967) and Durnin & Womersley (1974) showed better agreement with DXA than the other predictive equations, for both females (difference between means=-2.03; 2SD = 8.44) and males (difference between means = 0.98; 2SD = 7.30). There were no mean differences between these equations and the reference method (DXA; p > .05), but they did display high variability (2SD).

Conclusion:

The high variability among results indicated imprecision. Predictive skinfold equations developed for nonathlete adolescents do not offer good validity for modern adolescent pentathlon athletes, and should be avoided.
Can Motor Proficiency in Preschool Age Affect Physical Activity in Adolescence?
Authors: Venetsanou Fotini , Kambas Antonis
Published: October 2016

Background:

This study investigated if motor proficiency (MP) in preschool age associate with physical activity (PA) in adolescence.

Methods:

In 2004, the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form (BOTMP-SF) (7) was administered to 413 children, aged 4–6 years, who were classified to MP groups according to their BOTMP-SF total score (TS). In 2014, the PA of 106 former participants (47 boys, 59 girls) was measured with Omron pedometers. MP [three (high; above average; average)] × gender (two) ANOVA and Bonferroni tests were computed on average of steps/week.

Results:

A significant interaction between the two factors was revealed (F = 15.27, p < .001, η2=.153), indicating that MP influenced male and female PA differently. Only in average MP group, males presented higher PA than females, whereas there were no differences between the two genders in the higher MP groups. Moreover, the only significant difference in PA among male groups was that between high and above average MP groups, while in females there were significant differences among all groups.

Conclusion:

High MP at preschool age positively associated with the PA in adolescence, especially in females. Emphasis on the development of proficient young movers might be beneficial for lifelong PA.
Homoharringtonine (omacetaxine mepesuccinate) as an adjunct for
FLT3
-
ITD acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Lam Stephen S. Y. , Ho Eric S. K. , He Bai-Liang , Wong Wui-Wing , Cher Chae-Yin , Ng Nelson K. L. , Man Cheuk-Him , Gill Harinder , Cheung Alice M. S. , Ip Ho-Wan , So Chi-Chiu , Tamburini Jerome , So Chi Wai Eric , Ho Dona N. , Au Chun-Hang , Chan Tsun-Leung , Ma Edmond S. K. , Liang Raymond , Kwong Yok-Lam , Leung Anskar Y. H.
Published: October 2016

An in vitro drug screening using primary AML samples identified homoharringtonine (omacetaxine mepesuccinate) as an effective adjunct for treatment of FLT3-ITD AML.
Allergic asthma is distinguished by sensitivity of allergen-specific CD4
+
T cells and airway structural cells to type 2 inflammation
Authors: Cho Josalyn L. , Ling Morris F. , Adams David C. , Faustino Lucas , Islam Sabina A. , Afshar Roshi , Griffith Jason W. , Harris Robert S. , Ng Aylwin , Radicioni Giorgia , Ford Amina A. , Han Andre K. , Xavier Ramnik , Kwok William W. , Boucher Richard , Moon James J. , Hamilos Daniel L. , Kesimer Mehmet , Suter Melissa J. , Medoff Benjamin D. , Luster Andrew D.
Published: October 2016

The development of allergic asthma requires type 2 airway inflammation as well as increased sensitivity of airway epithelial cells and smooth muscle to inflammation.
Birefringence microscopy platform for assessing airway smooth muscle structure and function in vivo
Authors: Adams David C. , Hariri Lida P. , Miller Alyssa J. , Wang Yan , Cho Josalyn L. , Villiger Martin , Holz Jasmin A. , Szabari Margit V. , Hamilos Daniel L. , Scott Harris R. , Griffith Jason W. , Bouma Brett E. , Luster Andrew D. , Medoff Benjamin D. , Suter Melissa J.
Published: October 2016

A birefringence microscopy technique provides structural and functional information about airway smooth muscle in healthy and mild asthmatic subjects.
Phosphorylation of Golgi Peripheral Membrane Protein Grasp65 Is an Integral Step in the Formation of the Human Cytomegalovirus Cytoplasmic Assembly Compartment
Authors: Rebmann G. Michael , Grabski Robert , Sanchez Veronica , Britt William J.
Published: October 2016

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the largest member of the Herpesviridae and represents a significant cause of disease. During virus replication, HCMV alters cellular functions to facilitate its replication, including significant reorganization of the secretory and endocytic pathways of the infected cell. A defining morphologic change of the infected cell is the formation of a membranous structure in the cytoplasm that is designated the virion assembly compartment (AC), which consists of virion structural proteins surrounded by cellular membranes. The loss of normal Golgi compartment morphology and its relocalization from a juxtanuclear ribbonlike structure to a series of concentric rings on the periphery of the AC represents a readily recognized reorganization of cellular membranes in the HCMV-infected cell. Although trafficking of viral proteins to this compartment is required for the assembly of infectious virions, the functional significance of the reorganization of intracellular membranes like the Golgi membranes into the AC in the assembly of infectious virus remains understudied. In this study, we determined that Golgi membrane ribbon fragmentation increased during the early cytoplasmic phase of virion assembly and that Golgi membrane fragmentation in infected cells was dependent on the phosphorylation of an integral
cis-
Golgi protein, Grasp65. Inhibition of Golgi membrane fragmentation and of its reorganization into the AC resulted in decreased production of infectious particles and alteration of the incorporation of an essential protein into the envelope of the mature virion. These results demonstrated the complexity of the virus-host cell interactions required for efficient assembly of this large DNA virus.

IMPORTANCE
The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-induced reorganization of intracellular membranes that is required for the formation of the viral assembly compartment (AC) has been an area of study over the last 20 years. The significance of this virus-induced structure has been evinced by the results of several studies which showed that relocalization of viral proteins to the AC was required for efficient assembly of infectious virus. In this study, we have identified a mechanism for the fragmentation of the Golgi ribbon in the infected cell
en route
to AC morphogenesis. Identification of this fundamental process during HCMV replication allowed us to propose that the functional role of Golgi membrane reorganization during HCMV infection was the concentration of viral structural proteins and subviral structures into a single intracellular compartment in order to facilitate efficient protein-protein interactions and the virion protein trafficking required for the assembly of this large and structurally complex virus.
Studies on heavy particle radioactivity from superheavy nuclei leading to doubly magic 304120 daughter nuclei
Authors: Santhosh K.P. , Sukumaran Indu
Published: October 2016

The alpha decay and heavy particle radioactivity of the isotopes of even–even superheavy nuclei with Z = 122–132 have been studied within Coulomb and proximity potential model. The predicted half-lives using our model are found to be in agreement with universal formula for cluster decay of Poenaru et al., the universal decay law of Qi et al., and the scaling law of Horoi et al., and most of the estimated values are well within the experimental upper limit (T1/2 < 1030 s). Our work targets the shell closure properties in the superheavy region. From the plots for log10(T1/2) against the neutron number of the daughter nuclei, three prominent minima are observed at N = 178, 184, and 194. The results show that in addition to N = 184, the neutron numbers N = 178 and 194 exhibit extra stability as compared to their neighbours. Based on these important observations, we have identified the possibility of N = 194 being a magic neutron number next to N = 184. Further, a new island of stability in the superheavy region has been predicted around the doubly magic 304120 superheavy nuclei and thus established the role of neutron shell closure in heavy particle decays very well.
Radiation-like scalar field and gauge fields in cosmology for a theory with dynamical time
Authors: Benisty David , Guendelman E. I.
Published: October 2016

Cosmological solutions with a scalar field behaving as radiation are obtained, in the context of gravitational theory with dynamical time. The solution requires the spacial curvature of the universe k, to be zero, unlike the standard radiation solutions, which do not impose any constraint on the spatial curvature of the universe. This is because only such k = 0 radiation solutions pose a homothetic Killing vector. This kind of theory can be used to generalize electromagnetism and other gauge theories, in curved spacetime, and there are no deviations from standard gauge field equation (like Maxwell equations) in the case there exist a conformal Killing vector. But there could be departures from Maxwell and Yang–Mills equations, for more general spacetimes.
Wormhole solutions in f(R) gravity satisfying energy conditions
Authors: Mazharimousavi S. Habib , Halilsoy M.
Published: October 2016

Without reference to exotic sources construction of viable wormholes in Einstein’s general relativity remained ever a myth. With the advent of modified theories, however, specifically the f(R) theory, new hopes arose for the possibility of such objects. From this token, we construct traversable wormholes in f(R) theory supported by a fluid source which respects at least the weak energy conditions. We provide an example (Example 1) of asymptotically flat wormhole in f(R) gravity without ghosts.
Pressure-dependent structural, electronic and optical properties of ZnO with native defect: A first-principles study
Authors: Hu Yonghong , Mao Caixia , Zhang Shengli , Cai Bo
Published: October 2016

Defects are usually unavoidable in lattices and have great impacts on the electronic structures, which can also be adjusted by pressure. Here, we report a systemic first-principles investigation on the pressure-dependent electronic and optical properties of wurtzite ZnO containing O vacancy or Zn interstitial. The pressure is loaded in the range of 0–12 GPa. The calculated result shows that the top valence bandwidth of ZnO materials varies with the pressure loaded. In particular, the top valence bandwidth of ZnO with O vacancy under about 5 GPa gets an extreme value. Meanwhile, it is also found that there are different energy shifts in the optical spectrums with the increase of pressure. The influence of increasing pressure on the optical properties of ZnO containing Zn interstitial is found to be notable, especially in the energy range of 3.0–4.7 eV. So the electronic and optical properties of ZnO with native defect may be tuned through changing the pressure. Our research results may provide important references to the choice and production of ZnO-based ultraviolet photoelectric materials.
A multiband absorber with dielectric–dielectric–metal structure in the infrared regime
Authors: Liao Yan-Lin , Zhao Yan , Lu He-Ping
Published: October 2016

We report a multiband absorber with dielectric–dielectric–metal structure in the infrared regime. The simulation results show that that near-perfect absorption is originated from the guide mode resonance and surface plasmonic polaritons (SPPs) excitation. Furthermore, the absorption peaks of this multiband absorber can be tuned by changing the incidence angle or scaling the microstructure dimensions. The results of this study have possible future potential applications in thermal emitter and sensor.
Some Results on MV-Modules
Authors: Forouzesh Fereshteh
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we study the notion of [Formula: see text]-modules over [Formula: see text]-algebras of fractions relative to a [Formula: see text]-closed system and investigate some of their properties. Also, we define the notions of Noetherian and Artinian [Formula: see text]-modules over [Formula: see text]-algebras and we state some equivalent definitions of Noetherian and Artinian [Formula: see text]-modules. In addition, we study the Noetherian and Artinian over product of two [Formula: see text]-modules.
Whisker row deprivation affects the flow of sensory information through rat barrel cortex
Authors: Jacob Vincent , Mitani Akinori , Toyoizumi Taro , Fox Kevin
Published: October 2016

Whisker trimming causes substantial reorganization of neuronal response properties in barrel cortex. However, little is known about experience-dependent rerouting of sensory processing following sensory deprivation. To address this, we performed in vivo intracellular recordings from layers 2/3 (L2/3), layer 4 (L4), layer 5 regular-spiking (L5RS), and L5 intrinsically bursting (L5IB) neurons and measured their multiwhisker receptive field at the level of spiking activity, membrane potential, and synaptic conductance before and after sensory deprivation. We used Chernoff information to quantify the “sensory information” contained in the firing patterns of cells in response to spared and deprived whisker stimulation. In the control condition, information for flanking-row and same-row whiskers decreased in the order L4, L2/3, L5IB, L5RS. However, after whisker-row deprivation, spared flanking-row whisker information was reordered to L4, L5RS, L5IB, L2/3. Sensory information from the trimmed whiskers was reduced and delayed in L2/3 and L5IB neurons, whereas sensory information from spared whiskers was increased and advanced in L4 and L5RS neurons. Sensory information from spared whiskers was increased in L5IB neurons without a latency change. L5RS cells exhibited the largest changes in sensory information content through an atypical plasticity combining a significant decrease in spontaneous activity and an increase in a short-latency excitatory conductance.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sensory cortical plasticity is usually quantified by changes in evoked firing rate. In this study we quantified plasticity by changes in sensory detection performance using Chernoff information and receiver operating characteristic analysis. We found that whisker deprivation causes a change in information flow within the cortical layers and that layer 5 regular-spiking cells, despite showing only a small potentiation of short-latency input, show the greatest increase in information content for the spared input partly by decreasing their spontaneous activity.
Study on Mobile Augmented Reality Adoption for Mayo Language Learning
Authors: Miranda Bojórquez Erasmo , Vergara Villegas Osslan Osiris , Cruz Sánchez Vianey Guadalupe , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis , Favela Vara Jesús
Published: October 2016

This paper presents the results of a study applied to undergraduates in order to know how the cultural dimensions affect their perceptions of the acceptance and use of new technologies in a student-centered learning environment. A total of 85 undergraduate students from the Autonomous Indigenous University of Mexico (UAIM) participated in the study. Each student was asked to use a mobile augmented reality (MAR) application designed to learn Mayo language (language spoken in Northwestern Mexico). Afterwards, the students responded to a survey with items concerning the use and technology acceptance and about cultural dimensions of individualism and uncertainty avoidance. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data collected from students. Results provide evidence that the individualism contributes positively to perceived ease of use of the MAR app, and uncertainty avoidance has no impact. The findings showed that the MAR system could be easily used if it includes a natural way to promote collaborative work. In addition, to gain the trust of students, the uncertainty avoidance needs to be reduced by enriching the help information offered for app use.
Impact of Oxidative Stress in Premature Aging and Iron Overload in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Murillo-Ortiz Blanca , Ramírez Emiliano Joel , Hernández Vázquez Wendy Ivett , Martínez-Garza Sandra , Solorio-Meza Sergio , Albarrán-Tamayo Froylán , Ramos-Rodríguez Edna , Benítez- Bribiesca Luis
Published: October 2016

Background. Increased oxidative stress is a well described feature of patients in hemodialysis. Their need for multiple blood transfusions and supplemental iron causes a significant iron overload that has recently been associated with increased oxidation of polyunsaturated lipids and accelerated aging due to DNA damage caused by telomere shortening. Methods. A total of 70 patients were evaluated concomitantly, 35 volunteers with ferritin levels below 500 ng/mL (Group A) and 35 volunteers with ferritin levels higher than 500 ng/mL (Group B). A sample of venous blood was taken to extract DNA from leukocytes and to measure relative telomere length by real‐time PCR. Results. Patients in Group B had significantly higher plasma TBARS (p = 0.008), carbonyls (p = 0.0004), and urea (p = 0.02) compared with those in Group A. Telomeres were significantly shorter in Group B, 0.66 (SD, 0.051), compared with 0.75 (SD, 0.155) in Group A (p = 0.0017). We observed a statistically significant association between relative telomere length and ferritin levels (r = −0.37, p = 0.001). Relative telomere length was inversely related to time on hemodialysis (r = −0.27, p = 0.02). Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that iron overload was associated with increased levels of oxidative stress and shorter relative telomere length.
Human Elimination of Organochlorine Pesticides: Blood, Urine, and Sweat Study
Authors: Genuis Stephen J. , Lane Kevin , Birkholz Detlef
Published: October 2016

Background. Many individuals have been exposed to organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) through food, water, air, dermal exposure, and/or vertical transmission. Due to enterohepatic reabsorption and affinity to adipose tissue, OCPs are not efficiently eliminated from the human body and may accrue in tissues. Many epidemiological studies demonstrate significant exposure-disease relationships suggesting OCPs can alter metabolic function and potentially lead to illness. There is limited study of interventions to facilitate OCP elimination from the human body. This study explored the efficacy of induced perspiration as a means to eliminate OCPs.Methods. Blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) were collected from 20 individuals. Analysis of 23 OCPs was performed using dual-column gas chromatography with electron-capture detectors.Results. Various OCPs and metabolites, including DDT, DDE, methoxychlor, endrin, and endosulfan sulfate, were excreted into perspiration. Generally, sweat samples showed more frequent OCP detection than serum or urine analysis. Many OCPs were not readily detected in blood testing while still being excreted and identified in sweat. No direct correlation was found among OCP concentrations in the blood, urine, or sweat compartments.Conclusions. Sweat analysis may be useful in detecting some accrued OCPs not found in regular serum testing. Induced perspiration may be a viable clinical tool for eliminating some OCPs.
Diffuse Arterial Thrombosis as a First Manifestation of Occult Malignancy
Authors: Vavlukis Marija , Kotlar Irina , Chaparoska Emilija , Antova Emilija , Kedev Sasko
Published: October 2016

Aim. To raise the awareness of a hypercoagulability state as it is often associated with the different types of malignancies. Venous thromboembolism is a frequent complication in these patients, and usually it happens after the diagnosis of cancer is confirmed. However, hypercoagulability disorders presenting as the first symptoms or signs in the cancer patients have rarely been reported. Furthermore, arterial thrombosis is extremely rare even in cancer patients.Method. Review of the case characteristics and literature review.Results. We present a case of 39-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital because of intermittent claudication in the right lower extremity. CT angiography revealed multiple thrombi in the arterial system starting from the left ventricle, followed by a thrombus in the distal part of the descending aorta, in the superior mesenteric artery, and in the right popliteal artery. Further investigation of this young patient with no risk factors for hypercoagulable state and no other comorbidities led to complete work-up including diagnostic evaluation for malignancy. The suspicion was confirmed after performing upper endoscopy with biopsy, which revealed malignant neoplasm of the stomach.Conclusion. Whenever a patient suffers hypercoagulability disorders, even arterial thrombosis, we should always consider the possibility of a cancer.
“Magic Bullet”: Eccentric Macular Hole as a Complication from Dexamethasone Implant Insertion
Authors: Christensen Logan , Sanders Riley , Olson Jeffrey
Published: October 2016

Introduction. Intravitreal drug injections and implants are generally safe but do carry some risk, from both the procedure itself and adverse effects of the medications. We report a case of an eccentric macular hole after dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) administration.Ex vitroforce testing was performed to evaluate dexamethasone implant injection force.Methods. Five dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) applicators were placed 16 mm from a force plate and the force of the injected dexamethasone pellet was recorded in Newtons. Four dexamethasone implant applicators were placed 16 mm from a force plate in a basic saline solution and the force of the pellet was recorded.Results. Average maximum force in air was 0.77 N and 0.024 N in a basic saline solution (BSS).Conclusion. We present a case report of an eccentric macular hole after dexamethasone implant administration. We hypothesize a mechanical injury to the retina during insertion caused the macular hole. Force testing done in air demonstrated sufficient force from the pellet injection to cause retinal damage though injections done in BSS showed reduced forces.
Silver Nanoparticles Affect Functional Bioenergetic Traits in the Invasive Red Sea MusselBrachidontes pharaonis
Authors: Saggese Ilenia , Sarà Gianluca , Dondero Francesco
Published: October 2016

We investigated the functional trait responses to 5 nm metallic silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) exposure in the Lessepsian-entry bivalveB. pharaonis. Respiration rate (oxygen consumption), heartbeat rate, and absorption efficiency were evaluated across an 8-day exposure period in mesocosmal conditions. Basal reference values from not-exposed specimens were statistically compared with those obtained from animals treated with three sublethal nanoparticle concentrations (2 μg L−1, 20 μg L−1, and 40 μg L−1). Our data showed statistically significant effects on the average respiration rate ofB. pharaonis. Moreover, complex nonlinear dynamics were observed as a function of the concentration level and time. Heartbeat rates largely increased with no acclimation in animals exposed to the two highest levels with similar temporal dynamics. Eventually, a decreasing trend for absorption efficiency might indicate energetic constraints. In general, these data support the possible impact of engineered nanomaterials in marine environments and support the relevance of functional trait assessment in present and future ecotoxicological studies.
Prevalence and Correlates of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Nigerians with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Soyoye D. O. , Ikem R. T. , Kolawole B. A. , Oluwadiya K. S. , Bolarinwa R. A. , Adebayo O. J.
Published: October 2016

Background. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a major risk factor for nonhealing foot ulcers in people with diabetes. A number of traditional risk factors have been reported to be associated with PAD; however, there may be a need to consider nontraditional risk factors especially in some vulnerable populations. This study determined the prevalence and risk factors associated with PAD in diabetics.Methods. One hundred and fifty type 2 diabetics and an equal number of age- and sex-matched apparently healthy controls were studied. Assessment of PAD was made using history, palpation of lower limb vessels, and measurement of ankle-brachial index (ABI). Statistically significant differences between categorical and continuous variables were determined using Chi square (χ2) and Studentt-tests, respectively. Regression analysis was done to determine the associated risk factors for PAD.Results. Prevalence of PAD using ABI was 22.0% and 8.0% among diabetic and nondiabetic populations, respectively. Peripheral arterial disease was associated with age, male gender, waist circumference, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.Conclusion. This study highlights the high prevalence of PAD in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and in apparently healthy controls; age, male gender, abdominal obesity, and high hs-CRP values were the associated risk factors.
Anterior Segment Imaging in Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Authors: Ong Sally S. , Vora Gargi K. , Gupta Preeya K.
Published: October 2016

Recent advances in anterior segment imaging have transformed the way ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is diagnosed and monitored. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) has been reported to be useful primarily in the assessment of intraocular invasion and metastasis.In vivoconfocal microscopy (IVCM) shows enlarged and irregular nuclei with hyperreflective cells in OSSN lesions and this has been found to correlate with histopathology findings. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) demonstrates thickened hyperreflective epithelium with an abrupt transition between abnormal and normal epithelium in OSSN lesions and this has also been shown to mimic histopathology findings. Although there are limitations to each of these imaging modalities, they can be useful adjunctive tools in the diagnosis of OSSN and could greatly assist the clinician in the management of OSSN patients. Nevertheless, anterior segment imaging has not replaced histopathology’s role as the gold standard in confirming diagnosis.
T2K and Beyond
Authors: Catanesi M. G.
Published: October 2016

This paper presents thestate of the artof the T2K experiment and the measurements prospects for the incoming years. After a brief description of the experiment, the most recent results will be illustrated. The observation of the electron neutrino appearance in a muon neutrino beam and the new high-precision measurements of the mixing angleθ13by the reactor experiments have led to a reevaluation of the expected sensitivity to the oscillation parameters, relative to what was given in the original T2K proposal. For this reason the new physics potential of T2K for7.8×1021p.o.t. and for data exposure 3 times larger than that expected to be reachable with accelerator and beam line upgrades in 2026 before the start of operation of the next generation of long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments will also be described in the text. In particular the last challenging scenario opens the door to the possibility of obtaining, under some conditions, a 3σmeasurement excludingsin⁡(δCP)=0.
Serum HMGB1 Serves as a Novel Laboratory Indicator Reflecting Disease Activity and Treatment Response in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Authors: Wang Chenqiong , Miao Ye , Wu Xuefen , Huang Yishu , Sun Mengchen , Zhu Yingzi , Zheng Fang , Sun Wei , Dong Lingli
Published: October 2016

Objective. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a late inflammatory factor participating in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In the current study, we analyzed the association between serum levels of HMGB1 and clinical features of AS patients before and during treatment.Methods. Serum HMGB1 was detected in 147 AS patients and 61 healthy controls using ELISA. We evaluated the association between HMGB1 and extra-articular manifestations as well as disease severity indices. Among these AS patients, 41 patients received close follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. This group comprised 25 patients treated with anti-TNF-αbiologics and 16 patients receiving oral NSAIDs plus sulfasalazine.Results. The serum HMGB1 of AS patients was significantly higher than in healthy controls and positively correlated with BASDAI, BASFI, ASDAS-ESR, ASDAS-CRP, ESR, and CRP, but not with HLA-B27, anterior uveitis, and recurrent diarrhea. There was no significant difference between patients with radiographic damage of hip joints and those without. We observed that serum HMGB1 paralleled disease activity after treatment.Conclusion. Serum level of HMGB1 is higher in AS patients, and to some extent, HMGB1 can reflect the activity of AS and be used as a laboratory indicator to reflect the therapeutic response.
Ginsenoside Rg3 Serves as an Adjuvant Chemotherapeutic Agent and VEGF Inhibitor in the Treatment of Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta‐Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Xu Tao , Jin Zhichao , Yuan Yuan , Wei Huamin , Xu Xinyao , He Shulin , Chen Shuntai , Hou Wei , Guo Qiujun , Hua Baojin
Published: October 2016

Objective. To evaluate ginsenoside Rg3 combined with chemotherapy for non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, in a meta‐analysis. Materials and Methods. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the VIP and Wanfang databases for eligible studies. We manually searched for printed journals and relevant textbooks. Statistical analyses were performed with Revman 5.3 and STATA 14.0 software packages. Results. Twenty studies were included. Ginsenoside Rg3 combined with chemotherapy could enhance response, improve disease control, prolong overall survival, improve patient quality of life, reduce leucocyte count decrease due to chemotherapy, reduce vascular endothelial growth factor expression in peripheral blood, and increase CD4/CD8 T cell ratio. Conclusion. Ginsenoside Rg3 combined with chemotherapy may enhance short‐term efficacy and overall survival, alleviate treatment‐induced side effects, reduce vascular endothelial growth factor expression, increase CD4/CD8 T cell ratio, and serve as a potential therapeutic regimen for NSCLC. However, considering the limitations, the conclusion should be interpreted carefully, and these results need to be confirmed by more high‐quality trials.
Surgical Treatment for Occipital Condyle Fracture, C1 Dislocation, and Cerebellar Contusion with Hemorrhage after Blunt Head Trauma
Authors: Ueda Shigeo , Sasaki Nobuhiro , Fukuda Miyuki , Hoshimaru Minoru
Published: October 2016

Occipital condyle fractures (OCFs) have been treated as rare traumatic injuries, but the number of reported OCFs has gradually increased because of the popularization of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient in this report presented with OCFs and C1 dislocation, along with traumatic cerebellar hemorrhage, which led to craniovertebral junction instability. This case was also an extremely rare clinical condition in which the patient presented with traumatic lower cranial nerve palsy secondary to OCFs. When the patient was transferred to our hospital, the occipital bone remained defective extensively due to surgical treatment of cerebellar hemorrhage. For this reason, concurrent cranioplasty was performed with resin in order to fix the occipital bone plate strongly. The resin-made occipital bone was used to secure a titanium plate and screws enabled us to perform posterior fusion of the craniovertebral junction. Although the patient wore a halo vest for 3 months after surgery, lower cranial nerve symptoms, including not only neck pain but also paralysis of the throat and larynx, improved postoperatively. No complications were detected during outpatient follow-up, which continued for 5 years postoperatively.
Type of Multimorbidity and Patient-Doctor Communication and Trust among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Garg Rahul , Shen Chan , Sambamoorthi Nethra , Kelly Kimberly , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: October 2016

Background. Effective communication and high trust with doctor are important to reduce the burden of multimorbidity in the rapidly aging population of the US. However, the association of multimorbidity with patient-doctor communication and trust is unknown. Objective. We examined the relationship between multimorbidity and patient-doctor communication and trust among the elderly. Method. We used the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (2012) to analyze the association between multimorbidity and patient-doctor communication and trust with multivariable logistic regressions that controlled for patient’s sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and satisfaction with care. Results. Most elderly beneficiaries reported effective communication (87.5–97.5%) and high trust (95.4–99.1%) with their doctors. The elderly with chronic physical and mental conditions were less likely than those with only physical conditions to report effective communication with their doctor (Adjusted Odds Ratio [95% Confidence Interval] = 0.80 [0.68, 0.96]). Multimorbidity did not have a significant association with patient-doctor trust. Conclusions. Elderly beneficiaries had high trust in their doctors, which was not affected by the presence of multimorbidity. Elderly individuals who had a mental condition in addition to physical conditions were more likely to report ineffective communication. Programs to improve patient-doctor communication with patients having cooccurring chronic physical and mental health conditions may be needed.
The Relationship between Positive Well-Being and Academic Assessment: Results from a Prospective Study on Dental Students
Authors: Preoteasa Cristina Teodora , Axante Anca , Cristea Anca Diana , Preoteasa Elena
Published: October 2016

Background. Presumably, the academic stress that builds throughout the academic year has a negative effect on dental students’ psychological well-being and may have a relationship with academic performance. This research aimed to analyse the variation of positive well-being in second-year dental students, across the academic semester, in relation to consecutive examinations as part of academic assessment system (1) and to observe the relationship between academic performance during semester evaluation period and dental students’ positive well-being (2).Methods. A prospective study was conducted on second-year dental students, data on positive well-being being collected with WHO-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), at the beginning of the semester and after three consecutive mandatory examinations.Results. One hundred and forty-six dental students were included (77% response rate). Repeated ANOVA showed a significant progressive decline of positive well-being over the semester, which was clinically significant for an important part of them. Students who performed better in the semester evaluation period registered higher well-being levels at the beginning of the semester but a more pronounced decline of it until the semester evaluation period.Conclusion. Based on this research, a relationship between positive well-being, academic assessments, and academic performance is suggested, when evaluating them in a prospective frame.
Variant Superficial Branch of Radial Artery along with Supplementary Tendons on the Dorsum of the Hand and Their Surgical Implications
Authors: Nayak Satheesha B. , Kumar Naveen , Aithal Padur Ashwini , Shetty Surekha D.
Published: October 2016

Variations of radial artery, in both its course and branching pattern in the anatomical snuffbox, are clinically significant for the plastic surgeons, cardiologists, and radiologists. Reports on its abnormal high origin and subsequent superficial course have been well documented. Herein, we report an unusual superficial branch of the radial artery given off before its entry into the palm by passing between the two heads of first dorsal interosseous. It eventually divided into princeps pollicis and radialis indicis arteries at the first web space of palm as a unique vascular variation. Apart from this, in the present case, the tendon of extensor digiti minimi and of extensor indicis divided into two parts. The split tendons of extensor digiti minimi were inserted to the dorsal digital expansion of the digitus minimus. However, lateral tendon of split extensor indicis was inserted along with the tendon of extensor digitorum to the index finger and the medial one was inserted along with the tendon of extensor digitorum to the middle finger. Unusual superficial branch of radial artery on the dorsum of the hand is vulnerable for an iatrogenic injury during surgical approaches in the region. Supplementary extensor tendons on the hand are one of the potential causes for the tenosynovitis.
Pricing Basket Options by Polynomial Approximations
Authors: Olivares Pablo , Alvarez Alexander
Published: October 2016

We propose a closed-form approximation for the price of basket options under a multivariate Black-Scholes model. The method is based on Taylor and Chebyshev expansions and involves mixed exponential-power moments of a Gaussian distribution. Our numerical results show that both approaches are comparable in accuracy to a standard Monte Carlo method, with a lesser computational effort.
Ovarian Cancers Harbor Defects in Nonhomologous End Joining Resulting in Resistance to Rucaparib
Authors: McCormick Aiste , Donoghue Peter , Dixon Michelle , O'Sullivan Richard , O'Donnell Rachel L. , Murray James , Kaufmann Angelika , Curtin Nicola J. , Edmondson Richard J.
Published: October 2016

Purpose: DNA damage defects are common in ovarian cancer and can be used to stratify treatment. Although most work has focused on homologous recombination (HR), DNA double-strand breaks are repaired primarily by nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). Defects in NHEJ have been shown to contribute to genomic instability and have been associated with the development of chemoresistance.

Experimental Design: NHEJ was assessed in a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines and 47 primary ascetic-derived ovarian cancer cultures, by measuring the ability of cell extracts to end-join linearized plasmid monomers into multimers. mRNA and protein expression of components of NHEJ was determined using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Cytotoxicities of cisplatin and the PARP inhibitor rucaparib were assessed using sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays. HR function was assessed using γH2AX/RAD51 foci assay.

Results: NHEJ was defective (D) in four of six cell lines and 20 of 47 primary cultures. NHEJ function was independent of HR competence (C). NHEJD cultures were resistant to rucaparib (P = 0.0022). When HR and NHEJ functions were taken into account, only NHEJC/HRD cultures were sensitive to rucaparib (compared with NHEJC/HRC P = 0.034, NHEJD/HRC P = 0.0002, and NHEJD/HRD P = 0.0045). The DNA-PK inhibitor, NU7441, induced resistance to rucaparib (P = 0.014) and HR function recovery in a BRCA1-defective cell line.

Conclusions: This study has shown that NHEJ is defective in 40% of ovarian cancers, which is independent of HR function and associated with resistance to PARP inhibitors in ex vivo primary cultures. Clin Cancer Res; 23(8); 2050–60. ©2016 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Dietary Regulation of Stemness and Tumor Initiation by the PPAR-δ Pathway
Authors: Beyaz Semir , Yilmaz Ömer H.
Published: October 2016

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPAR-δ) is a nuclear receptor transcription factor that regulates gene expression during development and disease states, such as cancer. However, the precise role of PPAR-δ during tumorigenesis is not well understood. Recent data suggest that PPAR-δ may have context-specific oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles depending on the tissue, cell-type, or diet-induced physiology in question. For example, in the intestine, pro-obesity diets, such as a high-fat diet (HFD), are associated with increased colorectal cancer incidence. Interestingly, many of the effects of an HFD in the stem and progenitor cell compartment are driven by a robust PPAR-δ program and contribute to the early steps of intestinal tumorigenesis. Importantly, the PPAR-δ pathway or its downstream mediators may serve as therapeutic intervention points or biomarkers in colon cancer that arise in patients who are obese. Although potent PPAR-δ agonists and antagonists exist, their clinical utility may be enhanced by uncovering how PPAR-δ mediates tumorigenesis in diverse tissues and cell types as well as in response to diet. Clin Cancer Res; 22(23); 5636–41. ©2016 AACR.
The Prognostic Value of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Shen Bo , Zou Jianzhou , Liu Zhonghua , Lv Wenlv , Cao Xuesen , Yu Jiawei , Nie Yuxin , Xu Jiarui , Wang Li , Ding Xiaoqiang
Published: October 2016

Aims: To examine the association between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: Three hundred fifty six patients on HD for >3 months were enrolled and followed for 2 years. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the median RDW value. Patient survival and risk factors for mortality were investigated. Results: The 2-year survival rate was significantly lower in the high-RDW group (>14.9%; log-rank = 10.00, p = 0.0016). RDW (hazard ratio (HR) 1.34, 95% CI 1.04-1.71, p = 0.021), hemoglobin (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-1.00, p = 0.023) and albumin (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.99, p = 0.026) were independent predictors of mortality. Receiver operating characteristic curves of RDW to predict 2-year mortality had an area under the curve of 0.6487 (95% CI 0.5714-0.7260). Conclusions: Abnormal RDW was common in HD patients and significantly related with poor outcomes in these patients.
Myeloperoxidase Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Positive Interstitial Pneumonia Associated with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Diagnosed by Surgical Lung Biopsy
Authors: Chino Haruka , Hagiwara Eri , Kitamura Hideya , Baba Tomohisa , Yamakawa Hideaki , Takemura Tamiko , Ogura Takashi
Published: October 2016

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare systemic vasculitis that often involves the lung. However, interstitial pneumonia (IP) is rarely seen in GPA patients. We herein report 3 cases of IP associated with GPA diagnosed by surgical lung biopsy. High-resolution CT showed uniform subpleural reticular opacity with traction bronchiectasis. Biopsies from all 3 patients revealed neutrophilic capillaritis, microabscesses with giant cells, and coexisting histological findings of usual IP pattern or fibrosing nonspecific IP pattern. All 3 patients had elevated levels of serum myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA), but not proteinase 3-ANCA. We diagnosed GPA and treated with corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide. Follow-up CT showed improvement of the lesions in all patients. Surgical lung biopsy specimens which revealed GPA enabled us to conduct the most suitable therapy. This report indicates the importance of surgical lung biopsy for differentiating idiopathic IPs from GPA-associated IP and suggests a relationship between MPO-ANCA and IP in GPA.