bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passive Infrared Sensing Using Plasmonic Resonant Dust Particles
Authors: Mirotznik Mark , Beck William , Olver Kimberly , Little John , Pa Peter
Published: August 2012

We present computational and experimental results of dust particles that can be tuned to preferentially reflect or emit IR radiation within the 8–14 μm band. The particles consist of thin metallic subwavelength gratings patterned on the surface of a simple quarter wavelength cavity. This design creates distinct IR absorption resonances by combining the plasmonic resonance of the grating with the natural resonance of the cavity. We show that the resonance peaks are easily tuned by varying either the geometry of the grating or the thickness of the cavity. Here, we present a computational design algorithm along with experimental results that validate the design methodology.
The Effects ofCosmos caudatuson Structural Bone Histomorphometry in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Mohamed Norazlina , Gwee Sian Khee Sharon , Shuid Ahmad Nazrun , Muhammad Norliza , Suhaimi Farihah , Othman Faizah , Babji Abdul Salam , Soelaiman Ima-Nirwana
Published: August 2012

Osteoporosis is considered a serious debilitating disease.Cosmos caudatus(ulam raja), a plant containing antioxidant compounds and minerals, may be used to treat and prevent osteoporosis. This study determines the effectiveness ofC. caudatusas bone protective agent in postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model. Thirty-two female rats, aged 3 months old, were divided into 4 groups. Group one was sham operated (sham) while group two was ovariectomized. These two groups were given ionized water by forced feeding. Groups three and four were ovariectomized and given calcium 1% ad libitum and force-fed withC. caudatusat the dose of 500 mg/kg, respectively. Treatments were given six days per week for a period of eight weeks. Body weight was monitored every week and structural bone histomorphometry analyses of the femur bones were performed. Ovariectomy decreased trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), decreased trabecular number (Tb.N), and increased trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). Both calcium 1% and 500 mg/kgC. caudatusreversed the above structural bone histomorphometric parameters to normal level.C. caudatusshows better effect compared to calcium 1% on trabecular number (Tb.N) and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). Therefore,Cosmos caudatus500 mg/kg has the potential to act as the therapeutic agent to restore bone damage in postmenopausal women.
Combined Algebraic Properties of IP* and Central* Sets Near 0
Authors: De Dibyendu , Paul Ram Krishna
Published: August 2012

It is known that for an IP* setAinℕand a sequence〈xn〉n=1∞there exists a sum subsystem〈yn〉n=1∞of〈xn〉n=1∞such thatFS(〈yn〉n=1∞) ∪  FP(〈yn〉n=1∞)⊆A. Similar types of results also have been proved for central* sets. In this present work we will extend the results for dense subsemigroups of((0,∞),+).
Prevention and Detection Methods for Enhancing Security in an RFID System
Authors: Khor Jing Huey , Ismail Widad , Rahman Mohammad Ghulam
Published: August 2012

Low-cost radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is exposed to various security and privacy threats due to computational constraint. This paper proposes the use of both prevention and detection techniques to solve the security and privacy issues. A mutual authentication protocol with integration of tag's unique electronic fingerprint is proposed to enhance the security level in RFID communication. A lightweight cryptographic algorithm that conforms to the EPCglobal Class-1 Generation-2 standard is proposed to prevent replay attack, denial of service, and data leakage issues. The security of the protocol is validated by using formal analysis tool, AVISPA. The received power of tag is used as a unique electronic fingerprint to detect cloning tags. t-test algorithm is used to analyze received power of tag at single-frequency band to distinguish between legitimate and counterfeit tag. False acceptance rate (FAR), false rejection rate (FRR), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and equal error rate (EER) were implemented to justify the robustness of t-test in detecting counterfeit tags. Received power of tag at single frequency band that was analyzed by using t-test was proved to be able to detect counterfeit tag efficiently as the area under the ROC curve obtained is high (0.922).
Picoplankton Community Composition by CARD-FISH and Flow Cytometric Techniques: A Preliminary Study in Central Adriatic Sea Water
Authors: Manti Anita , Boi Paola , Semprucci Federica , Cataudella Rosaria , Papa Stefano
Published: August 2012

Data concerning picoplanktonic community composition and abundance in the Central Adriatic Sea are presented in an effort to improve the knowledge of bacterioplankton and autotrophic picoplankton and their seasonal changes.
Flow cytometry analyses revealed the presence of two distinct bacteria populations: HNA and LNA cells. HNA cells showed an explicit correlation with viable and actively respiring cells. The study of viability and activity may increase our knowledge of the part that contributes really to the remineralization and bacterial biomass production. Authotrophic picoplankton abundance, especially picocyanobacteria, was strongly influenced by seasonality, indicating that light availability and water temperature are very important regulating factors. In terms of total carbon biomass, the main contribution came from heterotrophic bacteria with a lower contribution from autotrophic picoplankton. CARD-FISH evidenced, within the Eubacteria domain, the dominance of members of the phyla Alphaproteobacteria, with a strong contribution from SAR11clade, followed by Cytophaga-Flavobacterium and Gammaproteobacteria. The bacterial groups detected contributed differently depending when the sample was taken, suggesting possible seasonal patterns. This study documents for the first time picoplankton community composition in the Central Adriatic Sea using two different approaches, FCM and CARD-FISH, and could provide preliminary data for future studies.
Adaptive Double‐Diffusion Model and Comparison to a Highly Heterogeneous Micro‐Model
Authors: Klein Viviane , Peszynska Malgorzata
Published: August 2012

Double‐diffusion model is used to simulate slightly compressible fluid flow in periodic porous media as a macro‐model in place of the original highly heterogeneous micro‐model. In this paper, we formulate an adaptive two‐grid numerical finite element discretization of the double‐diffusion system and perform a comparison between the micro‐ and macro‐model. Our numerical results show that the micro‐model solutions appear to converge to the macro‐model linearly with the parameter ε of periodic geometry. For the two‐grid discretization, the a priori and a posteriori error estimates are proved, and we show how to adapt the grid for each component independently.
Asymptotic Behaviour of a Two‐Dimensional Differential System with a Finite Number of Nonconstant Delays under the Conditions of Instability
Authors: Šmarda Zdeněk , Rebenda Josef
Published: August 2012

The asymptotic behaviour of a real two‐dimensional differential system with unbounded nonconstant delays t − θk(t) ≥ 0 satisfying lim t→∞θk(t) = ∞ is studied under the assumption of instability. Here, , and h are supposed to be matrix functions and a vector function. The conditions for the instable properties of solutions and the conditions for the existence of bounded solutions are given. The methods are based on the transformation of the considered real system to one equation with complex‐valued coefficients. Asymptotic properties are studied by means of a Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and the suitable Ważewski topological principle. The results generalize some previous ones, where the asymptotic properties for two‐dimensional systems with one constant or nonconstant delay were studied.
Virtual Interactomics of Proteins from Biochemical Standpoint
Authors: Kubrycht Jaroslav , Sigler Karel , Souček Pavel
Published: August 2012

Virtual interactomics represents a rapidly developing scientific area on the boundary line of bioinformatics and interactomics. Protein-related virtual interactomics then comprises instrumental tools for prediction, simulation, and networking of the majority of interactions important for structural and individual reproduction, differentiation, recognition, signaling, regulation, and metabolic pathways of cells and organisms. Here, we describe the main areas of virtual protein interactomics, that is, structurally based comparative analysis and prediction of functionally important interacting sites, mimotope-assisted and combined epitope prediction, molecular (protein) docking studies, and investigation of protein interaction networks. Detailed information about some interesting methodological approaches and online accessible programs or databases is displayed in our tables. Considerable part of the text deals with the searches for common conserved or functionally convergent protein regions and subgraphs of conserved interaction networks, new outstanding trends and clinically interesting results. In agreement with the presented data and relationships, virtual interactomic tools improve our scientific knowledge, help us to formulate working hypotheses, and they frequently also mediate variously importantin silicosimulations.
Lymphangitic Pulmonary Metastases in Castrate-Resistant Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Meyer Andrew , Angelica Mariani Rachel , Nabhan Chadi
Published: August 2012

A 63-year-old man with castrate-resistant metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma with known osseous and pelvic nodal involvement presented with progressive dyspnea for one week. Complete cardiopulmonary evaluation revealed a restrictive lung defect that could not be attributed to any of his previous therapies. On presentation, physical examination revealed coarse breath sounds diffusely with hypoxemia. Computed tomography of the chest showed severe bilateral airspace opacities and ground-glass appearance most consistent with interstitial pneumonitis. The patient was intubated due to progressive hypoxemia and worsening respiratory status despite empiric antibiotics and high dose steroids. Subsequent emergent bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsies revealed atypical intralymphatic cells that stained positively for prostate-specific antigen and prostatic-specific acid phosphatase, confirming the diagnosis of intralymphatic pulmonary metastasis from prostate adenocarcinoma. Lymphangitic pulmonary metastasis from prostate adenocarcinoma is exceedingly rare, with few reported cases that are biopsy-proven. Herein, we describe a rare case of biopsy-proven lymphangitic pulmonary metastasis in the setting of castrate-resistant prostate adenocarcinoma and provide a comprehensive literature review.
Doped Colloidal ZnO Nanocrystals
Authors: Jin Yizheng , Ren Yuping , Cao MoTao , Ye Zhizhen
Published: August 2012

Colloidal ZnO nanocrystals are promising for a wide range of applications due to the combination of unique multifunctional nature and remarkable solution processability. Doping is an effective approach of enhancing the properties of colloidal ZnO nanocrystals in well‐controlled manners. In this paper, we analyzed two synthetic strategies for the doped colloidal ZnO nanocrystals, emphasizing our understanding on the critical factors associated with the high temperature and nonaqueous approach. Latest advances of three topics, bandgap engineering, n‐type doping, and dilute magnetic semiconductors related to doped ZnO nanocrystals were discussed to reveal the effects of dopants on the properties of the nanocrystalline materials.
TRPM7 Is Required for Breast Tumor Cell Metastasis
Authors: Middelbeek Jeroen , Kuipers Arthur J. , Henneman Linda , Visser Daan , Eidhof Ilse , van Horssen Remco , Wieringa Bé , Canisius Sander V. , Zwart Wilbert , Wessels Lodewyk F. , Sweep Fred C.G.J. , Bult Peter , Span Paul N. , van Leeuwen Frank N. , Jalink Kees
Published: August 2012

TRPM7 encodes a Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channel with kinase activity. TRPM7 has been implicated in control of cell adhesion and migration, but whether TRPM7 activity contributes to cancer progression has not been established. Here we report that high levels of TRPM7 expression independently predict poor outcome in breast cancer patients and that it is functionally required for metastasis formation in a mouse xenograft model of human breast cancer. Mechanistic investigation revealed that TRPM7 regulated myosin II–based cellular tension, thereby modifying focal adhesion number, cell–cell adhesion and polarized cell movement. Our findings therefore suggest that TRPM7 is part of a mechanosensory complex adopted by cancer cells to drive metastasis formation. Cancer Res; 72(16); 4250–61. ©2012 AACR.
Socioeconomic Status and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the United States
Authors: Shebl Fatma M. , Capo-Ramos David E. , Graubard Barry I. , McGlynn Katherine A. , Altekruse Sean F.
Published: August 2012

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis and, unlike most cancers, HCC incidence and mortality rates are increasing in the United States. While risk is known to vary among different racial and ethnic groups, less is known about the variability of risk within these groups by neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods: HCC cases diagnosed in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 11 cancer registries between 1996 and 2007, and the population of the SEER 11 catchment areas was studied. Analyses were conducted to compare census tract area family poverty, educational attainment, and unemployment by race and ethnicity. A multiple linear regression model, weighted by the number of cases and the number of individuals in each census tract, with adjustment for registry, was used to calculate mean differences in area-level attributes between HCC cases and the population.

Results: HCC cases in most racial/ethnic groups had lower mean neighborhood-level measures of SES than their referent population. An exception was seen among Hispanics. Comparing white cases with cases of other racial groups and to Hispanics, white cases lived in neighborhoods with less family poverty, fewer high-school dropouts, and lower unemployment. Compared with white cases, Asian and Pacific Islander and Hispanic cases lived in neighborhoods with a higher percentage of foreign-born population.

Conclusions: Low neighborhood-level SES and immigrant status may be associated with greater risk of HCC within specific racial and ethnic groups.

Impact: These findings could help to focus control resources for HCC toward the most affected communities.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(8); 1330–5. ©2012 AACR.
Lipid Profiles and Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer in the Swedish AMORIS Study
Authors: Melvin Jennifer C. , Seth Divya , Holmberg Lars , Garmo Hans , Hammar Niklas , Jungner Ingmar , Walldius Göran , Lambe Mats , Wigertz Annette , Van Hemelrijck Mieke
Published: August 2012

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for breast and ovarian cancer; the mechanisms of action are not completely understood. Perturbed lipid metabolism often accompanies obesity; we therefore ascertained the associations between lipid components and breast and ovarian cancer risk in a prospective cohort study.

Methods: A total of 234,494 women with baseline measurements of triglycerides and total cholesterol and glucose were selected from the AMORIS database.A total of 27,394 had measurements of high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, apolipoprotein (Apo) B, and A-I. Associations between quartiles and dichotomized values of lipid components and breast and ovarian cancer risk were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results: We identified 6,105 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 808 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. A weak trend was observed between triglycerides and breast cancer (HR, 1.01, 95% Confidence Interval, 0.94–1.09; 0.93 (0.86–1.00) 0.91 (0.84–0.99), second, third, and fourth quartiles; P = 0.01). No other associations between lipid components and risk of breast cancer or ovarian cancer showed statistical significance.

Conclusions: A weak protective association was found between levels of triglycerides and risk of breast cancer.

Impact: An analysis including information on tumour characteristics of ovarian cancer and breast cancer may provide more insight in possible links between lipid metabolism and the risk of these cancers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(8); 1381–4. ©2012 AACR.
Overexpression of Protein Phosphatase 4 Correlates with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Stage II Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Weng Shaofan , Wang Hua , Chen Weihong , Katz Matthew H. , Chatterjee Deyali , Lee Jeffrey E. , Pisters Peter W. , Gomez Henry F. , Abbruzzese James L. , Fleming Jason B. , Wang Huamin
Published: August 2012

Purpose: Protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) has been reported to be overexpressed in breast and lung cancers. PP4 plays an important role in the regulation of centrosome maturation, DNA repair, NF-κB, and c-jun-NH2-kinase (JNK) signaling pathways. However, the expression and functions of PP4 in pancreatic cancer have not been studied.

Experimental Design: We examined the expression of PP4 catalytic subunit (PP4C) protein in 133 patients with stage II pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and their paired benign pancreatic samples (N = 113) by immunohistochemistry. To confirm the immunohistochemical results, we measured PP4C protein and mRNA levels by Western blotting and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Using univariate and multivariate analysis, we correlated PP4C expression with survival and other clinicopathologic features.

Results: PP4C was overexpressed in 75 of 133 (56.4%) stage II PDAC samples, which was significantly higher than the paired benign pancreatic tissue (15%, 17 of 113). PP4C mRNA expression levels were also higher in PDAC samples than the paired benign pancreatic tissue. Overexpression of PP4C in PDAC samples was associated with higher frequencies of distant metastasis (P = 0.02) and poor disease-free and overall survivals in patients with stage II PDAC (P = 0.006 and 0.02) independent of tumor size, margin status, and lymph node status (stage).

Conclusions: Our study showed that PP4C is overexpressed in PDAC. Overexpression of PP4C in PDAC samples is associated with poor prognosis in patients with stage II PDAC. Therefore, targeting PP4 signaling pathway may represent a new approach for the treatment of PDAC.

Impact: Our study showed that PP4C is an independent prognostic factor in patients with stage II PDAC. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(8); 1336–43. ©2012 AACR.
From Testing to Estimation: The Problem of False Positives in the Context of Carcinogen Evaluation in the IARC Monographs
Authors: Demetriou Christiana A. , Straif Kurt , Vineis Paolo
Published: August 2012

Background: Cancer epidemiology has been criticized for producing false-positive associations. The present analysis investigates the frequency of and factors contributing to false-positive findings in cancer epidemiology.

Methods: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs Group 3 agents were examined to identify potential false-positive findings. Frequency estimates for their occurrence were calculated. Comments of the Working Groups on study quality were recorded for studies with potential false-positives. These were used to determine how many of such studies were criticized for each of the study quality factors that are suspected to contribute to false-positive results.

Results: Of 509 agents in group 3, 37 agents were found to have potential false-positive associations in the studies reviewed in their respective IARC monograph(s). The overall frequency of potential false-positives among these agents was between 0.03 and 0.10. The individual frequencies ranged from 0.01 to 0.40. The potential false-positive findings were produced by 162 studies. The most common factors contributing to potential false-positive findings were confounding and exposure misclassification.

Conclusions: The frequency estimates we have obtained do not suggest that epidemiology is grossly flooded by false-positive findings. The factors for which studies with potential false-positives were most often criticized were factors that are sometimes difficult to address in cancer epidemiologic research and can bias an effect estimate toward or away from the null.

Impact: The low frequency of false-positives in cancer epidemiology restores faith in epidemiologic procedures, making epidemiologic findings a useful guide for public health care measures. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(8); 1272–81. ©2012 AACR.
Use of Fertility Drugs and Risk of Ovarian Cancer: Results from a U.S.-Based Case–Control Study
Authors: Kurta Michelle L. , Moysich Kirsten B. , Weissfeld Joel L. , Youk Ada O. , Bunker Clareann H. , Edwards Robert P. , Modugno Francesmary , Ness Roberta B. , Diergaarde Brenda
Published: August 2012

Background: Previous studies examining associations between use of fertility drugs and ovarian cancer risk have provided conflicting results. We used data from a large case–control study to determine whether fertility drug use significantly impacts ovarian cancer risk when taking into account parity, gravidity, and cause of infertility.

Methods: Data from the Hormones and Ovarian Cancer Prediction (HOPE) study were used (902 cases, 1,802 controls). Medical and reproductive histories were collected via in-person interviews. Logistic regression was used to calculate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Models were adjusted for age, race, education, age at menarche, parity, oral contraceptive use, breastfeeding, talc use, tubal ligation, and family history of breast/ovarian cancer.

Results: Ever use of fertility drugs was not significantly associated with ovarian cancer within the total HOPE population (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.65–1.35) or among women who reported seeking medical attention for infertility (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.54–1.40). We did observe a statistically significant increased risk of ovarian cancer for ever use of fertility drugs among women who, despite seeking medical attention for problems getting pregnant, remained nulligravid (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.01–9.67).

Conclusions: These results provide further evidence that fertility drug use does not significantly contribute to ovarian cancer risk among the majority of women; however, women who despite infertility evaluation and fertility drug use remain nulligravid, may have an elevated risk for ovarian cancer.

Impact: Our results suggest that fertility drug use does not significantly contribute to overall risk of ovarian cancer when adjusting for known confounding factors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(8); 1282–92. ©2012 AACR.
KRASG12D- and BRAFV600E-Induced Transformation of Murine Pancreatic Epithelial Cells Requires MEK/ERK-Stimulated IGF1R Signaling
Authors: Appleman Victoria A. , Ahronian Leanne G. , Cai JiuFeng , Klimstra David S. , Lewis Brian C.
Published: August 2012

Mutation of KRAS is a common initiating event in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Yet, the specific roles of KRAS-stimulated signaling pathways in the transformation of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDEC), putative cells of origin for PDAC, remain unclear. Here, we show that KRASG12D and BRAFV600E enhance PDEC proliferation and increase survival after exposure to apoptotic stimuli in a manner dependent on MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling. Interestingly, we find that activation of PI3K/AKT signaling occurs downstream of MAP–ERK kinase (MEK), and is dependent on the autocrine activation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor (IGF1R) by IGF2. Importantly, IGF1R inhibition impairs KRASG12D- and BRAFV600E-induced survival, whereas ectopic IGF2 expression rescues KRASG12D- and BRAFV600E-mediated survival downstream of MEK inhibition. Moreover, we show that KRASG12D- and BRAFV600E-induced tumor formation in an orthotopic model requires IGF1R. Interestingly, we show that while individual inhibition of MEK or IGF1R does not sensitize PDAC cells to apoptosis, their concomitant inhibition reduces survival. Our findings identify a novel mechanism of PI3K/AKT activation downstream of activated KRAS, illustrate the importance of MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, and IGF1R signaling in pancreatic tumor initiation, and suggest potential therapeutic strategies for this malignancy. Mol Cancer Res; 10(9); 1228–39. ©2012 AACR.
Poor Compliance with Guidelines on Anemia Treatment in a Cohort of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: van der Weerd Neelke C. , Grooteman Muriel P.C. , Blankestijn Peter J. , Mazairac Albert H.A. , van den Dorpel Marinus A. , den Hoedt Claire H. , Nubé Menso J. , Penne E. Lars , van der Tweel Ingeborg , ter Wee Piet M. , Bots Michiel L. ,   on behalf of the CONTRAST investigators
Published: August 2012

Background/Aims: Guidelines for the management of anemia and iron deficiency in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients have been developed to standardize therapy and improve clinical outcome. The present study evaluated compliance with anemia guidelines and investigated whether differences between centers were present. Methods: Data on anemia management from patients in the baseline cohort of the CONTRAST study (NCT00205556) were analyzed. 598 chronic HD patients (62% male, age 63.6 ± 14.0 years) from 26 Dutch dialysis centers were included. Results: Mean hemoglobin (Hb) level was 11.9 ± 1.3 g/dl and Hb was ≥11.0 g/dl in 81% of the patients. Compliance with all anemia targets (Hb 11.0–12.0 g/dl, transferrin saturation ratio ≥20%, ferritin 100–500 ng/ml) was reached in 11.6% (95% CI 7.8–17.0) of the patients, with a wide range among centers (4–26%, adjusted for case mix, treatment-related factors and center-specific characteristics). Conclusion: Compliance with anemia targets in stable HD patients was poor and showed a wide variation between treatment facilities.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism and Aldosterone Synthesis Inhibition Do Not Improve Glomerulosclerosis and Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in a Model of Chronic Kidney Allograft Injury
Authors: Lahmer Tobias , Hermans Rob , Schmaderer Christoph , Chang Jianxing , Stock Konrad , Lutz Jens , Heemann Uwe , Baumann Marcus
Published: August 2012

Chronic allograft injury (CAI) is a major cause of late graft failure with a multifactorial pathogenesis; however, in different experiments an inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers ameliorated the progression of chronic renal disease. Different concepts supposed that aldosterone is involved in development and/or progression of renal diseases via interaction with a non-epithelial mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), e.g. reducing neointima formation. Our examinations therefore targeted on the effects of the aldosterone synthase inhibitor fadrozole and the MR antagonist spironolactone compared to vehicle in an established rat model of CAI. In our model of CAI, neither the aldosterone biosynthesis inhibitor nor a direct MR blockade had a positive effect on renal CAI in rats. Fadrozole- and spironolactone-treated animals demonstrated a higher proteinuria value, pathologically elevated potassium values, higher tubulointerstitial damage and markedly increased heart weight/body weight as compared to vehicle. Our observations also suggest that inhibition of the MR or the biosynthesis itself had a bad influence on the amount of sclerotic glomeruli and tubulointerstitial damage. The positive effects of inhibition of aldosterone as described in cardiac models could not yet be detected in kidney recipients.
Atraumatic Nonaneurysmal Sulcal Subarachnoid Hemorrhages: A Diagnostic Workup Based on a Case Series
Authors: Renou P. , Tourdias T. , Fleury O. , Debruxelles S. , Rouanet F. , Sibon I.
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Atraumatic and nonaneurysmal sulcal subarachnoid hemorrhage (sSAH) is a rare type of cerebrovascular disease with various etiologies previously reported in small case reports. In this study, we propose to analyze clinical presentations, imaging patterns and etiologies in a large case series of such patients in order to propose a diagnostic workup. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and radiological data of consecutive patients with a diagnosis of atraumatic and nonaneurysmal sSAH, admitted to our institution between 2008 and 2011. All patients had both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a part of their initial evaluation. Results: 30 patients (18 women and 12 men, mean age: 60 years) were identified. The main clinical symptoms at presentation were focal and transient neurological deficit (n = 22) and thunderclap headache (n = 10). Four patients had progressive headache and 4 other had partial or generalized epileptic seizures. MRI abnormalities associated with sSAH were prior hemorrhages, microbleeds, severe leukoencephalopathy and hemosiderosis suggesting cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA; n = 9), vasogenic edema in parieto-occipital areas compatible with a posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES; n = 3), cortical venous thrombosis (n = 2) and concomitant acute cortical stroke (n = 3). Other underlying causes of sSAH, not diagnosed on MRI, were reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) based on clinical criteria and conventional angiography (n = 4), angiitis diagnosed by skin biopsy (n = 1), vascular malformation diagnosed on CT and digital subtraction angiographies (n = 3), and overanticoagulation (n = 1). Four cases remained unresolved. Conclusion: This study confirmed that sSAH is a rare condition related to a wide spectrum of etiologies. Combination of brain MRI and magnetic resonance angiography and eventually digital subtraction angiography allowed the identification of an underlying etiology for 87% of patients. CAA, RCVS and PRES represented more than 50% of the etiological mechanisms. Among older patients, sSAH was mainly related to CAA while in younger patients, RCVS represented the most frequent etiology.
Ideal Isoelectric Reference Segment in Pericarditis: A Suggested Approach to a Commonly Prevailing Clinical Misconception
Authors: Chhabra Lovely , Spodick David H.
Published: August 2012

Individual practice patterns of cardiologists and internists vary in interpreting electrocardiograms by measuring and defining significant ST deviation using different segments as isoelectric references. Even standard electrocardiography textbooks and recent literature studies provide variable opinions for using isoelectric references and measurement of ST-segment deflections. In our current manuscript, we aim to define a standard baseline/isoelectric segment using a short literature review and also to share our opinion for the use of a standard isoelectric reference for patients of pericarditis which is one of the commonest causes of nonischemic ST-segment elevation.
Phosphate Enrichment of Dialysate for Use in Standard and Extended Haemodialysis
Authors: Ebah Leonard M. , Akhtar Mehvosh , Wilde Ian , Hookway Graeme , Vincent Mark , Reeves Christopher , Denton John , Woods John , Mitra Sandip
Published: August 2012

Background/Aims: Intensive haemodialysis (HD) sometimes causes hypophosphataemia, but phosphate-containing dialysate is not readily available. We examined the effectiveness of extemporaneously producing a phosphate-rich dialysate for use in HD. Methods: Incremental volumes of Fleet® were added to acid concentrate and predicted to deliver dialysate phosphate concentrations of 0.19–1.1 mmol/l, following mixture with ultrapure water and base concentrate by the HD machine. Results: The achieved concentrations were close to predicted values (p = 0.77) and remained stable throughout an 8-hour ‘treatment’ time (p = 0.99). The dialysate phosphate concentration had a linear relationship with the Fleet® volume added, defined by the regression equation y = 172.79 x – 1.47 (R2 = 0.99, r = 0.99, p = 0.003). The dialysate pH, calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate concentrations did not change over the study period (p = 0.28–0.99). Microscopic analysis under polarised light showed no evidence of crystal formation. Conclusion: The study validates a simple, reliable and cost-effective protocol for phosphate supplementation in conventional and extended HD.
Recognition of Endoscopic Diagnosis in Differentiated-Type Early Gastric Cancer by Flexible Spectral Imaging Color Enhancement with Indigo Carmine
Authors: Dohi O. , Yagi N. , Wada T. , Yamada N. , Bito N. , Yamada S. , Gen Y. , Yoshida N. , Uchiyama K. , Ishikawa T. , Takagi T. , Handa O. , Konishi H. , Wakabayashi N. , Kokura S. , Naito Y. , Yoshikawa T.
Published: August 2012

Background/Aims: To evaluate the usefulness of flexible spectral imaging color enhancement with indigo carmine (I-FICE) in early gastric cancer (EGC) demarcation. Methods: The study participants were 29 patients with differentiated-type EGC. The endoscope was fixed and images of the same area of EGC demarcations in each lesion were obtained using four different methods (WLE, flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE), CE, and I-FICE). FICE mode at R 550 nm (Gain: 2), G 500 nm (Gain: 4), and B 470 nm (Gain: 4) was used. Four endoscopists ranked the images obtained by each method on the basis of the ease of recognition of demarcation using a 4-point system. We calculated the standard deviation of pixel values based on L*, a*, and b* color spaces in the demarcation region (Lab-SD score). Results: The median ranking score for I-FICE images was significantly higher than that obtained from the other methods. Further, the average Lab-SD score was significantly higher for I-FICE images than for images obtained by the other methods. There was a good correlation between the ranking score and Lab-SD score. Conclusion: EGC demarcations were most easily recognized both subjectively and objectively using I-FICE image, followed by CE, FICE and WLE images.
‘Time and Time Again’: Oscillatory and Longitudinal Time Patterns in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Kooman Jeroen P. , Usvyat Len , van der Sande Frank M. , Thijssen Stephan , Levin Nathan , Leunissen Karel M. , Kotanko Peter
Published: August 2012

Oscillatory and longitudinal time patterns play a major role in human physiology. In chronic hemodialysis patients, abnormalities in both time patterns have been observed, while time patterns can also influence the response of patients to the treatment. Abnormal oscillatory patterns have been observed for ultradian rhythms (cycle time <20 h), such as an impaired heart rate variability and circadian rhythms, as reflected by reduced day-night blood pressure differences. Conversely, the circadian rhythm of body temperature may influence the hemodynamic tolerance to the dialysis treatment. With regard to infradian (cycle time >28 h) rhythms, large seasonal differences in mortality, but also in blood pressure and interdialytic weight gain, have been observed in dialysis patients. The most important longitudinal pattern is the general reduction of life span in dialysis patients. One explanation of this phenomenon relates to the concept of accelerated aging in dialysis patients, for which there are various supportive arguments. From a phenomenological point of view, this concept translates into the high prevalence of frailty, even in young dialysis patients. A multidimensional approach appears necessary to adequately address this problem. In this review, the relevance of disturbed time patterns in dialysis patients is discussed. The changes may reflect an impairment or reduction in homeostatic/homeodynamic control in dialysis patients and also may have important prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Changes and Prognostic Value of Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Zhou Zhen-Hu , Cui Xiao-Ning , Xing Huai-Guang , Yan Rui-Hong , Yao Dao-Kuo , Wang Le-Xin
Published: August 2012

Objective: To evaluate the changes and the prognostic value of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Subjects and Methods: A total of 79 patients with DTC and 30 healthy individuals were divided into four groups: (1) a healthy control group (n = 30); (2) DTC without recurrence (n = 35; 23 papillary, 12 follicular); (3) DTC with local recurrence (n = 24; 15 papillary, 9 follicular), and (4) DTC with lung metastasis (n = 20; 13 papillary, 7 follicular). Serum VEGF and thyroglobulin levels were measured in all patients. Results: Serum levels of VEGF were significantly higher in the lung metastasis group than in the other three groups (p < 0.05). Serum thyroglobulin concentration positively correlated with VEGF expression (r = 0.8678, p < 0.001) in patients with thyroid cancer recurrence. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that clinical staging (OR = 1.851, 95% CI 1.04–3.47; p = 0.038), noncompliance with postoperative thyroxin replacement therapy (OR = 1.935, 95% CI 1.03–3.65; p = 0.042) and postoperative levels of thyroglobulin (OR = 1.892, 95% CI 1.01–3.56, p = 0.032) were independent predictors for thyroid cancer recurrence. Every additional 100 ng/l of serum VEGF levels increased the risk of thyroid cancer recurrence by 20.3%; but this did not reach statistical significance (OR = 1.203, 95% CI 0.95–1.52; p = 0.125). Conclusions: Serum VEGF increased in patients with recurrent thyroid cancer following surgical therapies. The predictive value of serum VEGF requires further investigation.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Optimal Medical Therapy in Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Pursnani Seema , Korley Frederick , Gopaul Ravindra , Kanade Pushkar , Chandra Newry , Shaw Richard E. , Bangalore Sripal
Published: August 2012

Background—

The role of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the management of stable coronary artery disease remains controversial. Given advancements in medical therapies and stent technology over the last decade, we sought to evaluate whether PCI, when added to medical therapy, improves outcomes when compared with medical therapy alone.

Methods and Results—

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases, until January 2012, for randomized clinical trials comparing revascularization with PCI to optimal medical therapy (OMT) in patients with stable coronary artery disease. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and secondary outcomes included cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, subsequent revascularization, and freedom from angina. Primary analyses were based on longest available follow-up with secondary analyses stratified by trial duration, with short-term (≤1 year), intermediate (1–5 years), and long-term (≥5 years) time points. We identified 12 randomized clinical trials enrolling 7182 participants who fulfilled our inclusion criteria. For the primary analyses, when compared with OMT, PCI was associated with no significant improvement in mortality (risk ratio [RR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.71–1.01), cardiac death (RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.47–1.06), nonfatal myocardial infarction (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.70–1.24), or repeat revascularization (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.76–1.14), with consistent results over all follow-up time points. Sensitivity analysis restricted to studies in which there was >50% stent use showed attenuation in the effect size for all-cause mortality (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.78–1.11) with PCI. However, for freedom from angina, there was a significant improved outcome with PCI, as compared with the OMT group (RR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06–1.37), evident at all of the follow-up time points.

Conclusions—

In this most rigorous and comprehensive analysis in patients with stable coronary artery disease, PCI, as compared with OMT, did not reduce the risk of mortality, cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or revascularization. PCI, however, provided a greater angina relief compared with OMT alone, larger studies with sufficient power are required to prove this conclusively.
A Nodal-to-TGFβ Cascade Exerts Biphasic Control Over Cardiopoiesis
Authors: Cai Wenqing , Guzzo Rosa M. , Wei Ke , Willems Erik , Davidovics Herman , Mercola Mark
Published: August 2012

Rationale:

The transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family member Nodal promotes cardiogenesis, but the mechanism is unclear despite the relevance of TGFβ family proteins for myocardial remodeling and regeneration.

Objective:

To determine the function(s) of TGFβ family members during stem cell cardiogenesis.

Methods and Results:

Murine embryonic stem cells were engineered with a constitutively active human type I Nodal receptor (caACVR1b) to mimic activation by Nodal and found to secrete a paracrine signal that promotes cardiogenesis. Transcriptome and gain- and loss-of-function studies identified the factor as TGFβ2. Both Nodal and TGFβ induced early cardiogenic progenitors in embryonic stem cell cultures at day 0 to 2 of differentiation. However, Nodal expression declines by day 4 due to feedback inhibition, whereas TGFβ persists. At later stages (days 4–6), TGFβ suppresses the formation of cardiomyocytes from multipotent Kdr
+
progenitors while promoting the differentiation of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells.

Conclusions:

Nodal induces TGFβ, and both stimulate the formation of multipotent cardiovascular Kdr
+
progenitors. TGFβ, however, becomes uniquely responsible for controlling subsequent lineage segregation by stimulating vascular smooth muscle and endothelial lineages and simultaneously blocking cardiomyocyte differentiation.
TMEM16A/ANO1 Channels Contribute to the Myogenic Response in Cerebral Arteries
Authors: Bulley Simon , Neeb Zachary P. , Burris Sarah K. , Bannister John P. , Thomas-Gatewood Candice M. , Jangsangthong Wanchana , Jaggar Jonathan H.
Published: August 2012

Rationale:

Pressure-induced arterial depolarization and constriction (the myogenic response) is a smooth muscle cell (myocyte)-specific mechanism that controls regional organ blood flow and systemic blood pressure. Several different nonselective cation channels contribute to pressure-induced depolarization, but signaling mechanisms involved are unclear. Similarly uncertain is the contribution of anion channels to the myogenic response and physiological functions and mechanisms of regulation of recently discovered transmembrane 16A (TMEM16A), also termed Anoctamin 1, chloride (Cl
−
) channels in arterial myocytes.

Objective:

To investigate the hypothesis that myocyte TMEM16A channels control membrane potential and contractility and contribute to the myogenic response in cerebral arteries.

Methods and Results:

Cell swelling induced by hyposmotic bath solution stimulated Cl
−
currents in arterial myocytes that were blocked by TMEM16A channel inhibitory antibodies, RNAi-mediated selective TMEM16A channel knockdown, removal of extracellular calcium (Ca
2+
), replacement of intracellular EGTA with BAPTA, a fast Ca
2+
chelator, and Gd
3+
and SKF-96365, nonselective cation channel blockers. In contrast, nimodipine, a voltage-dependent Ca
2+
channel inhibitor, or thapsigargin, which depletes intracellular Ca
2+
stores, did not alter swelling-activated TMEM16A currents. Pressure-induced (−40 mm Hg) membrane stretch activated ion channels in arterial myocyte cell–attached patches that were inhibited by TMEM16A antibodies and were of similar amplitude to recombinant TMEM16A channels. TMEM16A knockdown reduced intravascular pressure-induced depolarization and vasoconstriction but did not alter depolarization-induced (60 mmol/L K
+
) vasoconstriction.

Conclusions:

Membrane stretch activates arterial myocyte TMEM16A channels, leading to membrane depolarization and vasoconstriction. Data also provide a mechanism by which a local Ca
2+
signal generated by nonselective cation channels stimulates TMEM16A channels to induce myogenic constriction.
The Combined Impact of Virtual Reality Neurorehabilitation and Its Interfaces on Upper Extremity Functional Recovery in Patients With Chronic Stroke
Authors: Cameirão Mónica S. , Badia Sergi Bermúdez i , Duarte Esther , Frisoli Antonio , Verschure Paul F.M.J.
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose—

Although there is strong evidence on the beneficial effects of virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation, it is not yet well understood how the different aspects of these systems affect recovery. Consequently, we do not exactly know what features of VR neurorehabilitation systems are decisive in conveying their beneficial effects.

Methods—

To specifically address this issue, we developed 3 different configurations of the same VR-based rehabilitation system, the Rehabilitation Gaming System, using 3 different interface technologies: vision-based tracking, haptics, and a passive exoskeleton. Forty-four patients with chronic stroke were randomly allocated to one of the configurations and used the system for 35 minutes a day for 5 days a week during 4 weeks.

Results—

Our results revealed significant within-subject improvements at most of the standard clinical evaluation scales for all groups. Specifically we observe that the beneficial effects of VR-based training are modulated by the use/nonuse of compensatory movement strategies and the specific sensorimotor contingencies presented to the user, that is, visual feedback versus combined visual haptic feedback.

Conclusions—

Our findings suggest that the beneficial effects of VR-based neurorehabilitation systems such as the Rehabilitation Gaming System for the treatment of chronic stroke depend on the specific interface systems used. These results have strong implications for the design of future VR rehabilitation strategies that aim at maximizing functional outcomes and their retention.

Clinical Trial Registration—

This trial was not registered because it is a small clinical study that evaluates the feasibility of prototype devices.
Predictors and Clinical Features of Postoperative Hyperperfusion after Surgical Revascularization for Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Uchino Haruto , Kuroda Satoshi , Hirata Kenji , Shiga Tohru , Houkin Kiyohiro , Tamaki Nagara
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose—

Clinical features and pathophysiology of postoperative hyperperfusion in moyamoya disease are still unclear. This study was aimed to clarify the incidence and time course of postoperative hyperperfusion and to determine the independent predictors of postoperative hyperperfusion in moyamoya disease.

Methods—

This prospective study included 41 patients who underwent surgical revascularization for moyamoya disease. Using
15
O-gas positron emission tomography, hemodynamic and metabolic parameters were quantified before surgery. Using single photon emission computed tomography, cerebral blood flow was serially measured just after surgery and on 2 and 7 days postsurgery. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to test the effect of multiple variables on postoperative hyperperfusion.

Results—

Postoperative hyperperfusion was observed in 29 (50.0%) of 58 operated hemispheres. The incidence of both radiological and symptomatic hyperperfusion was significantly higher in adult patients than in pediatric ones (
P
=0.026 and
P
=0.0037, respectively). Hyperperfusion just after surgery more often led to subsequent neurological deficits (
P
=0.033). A multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative cerebral blood volume increase was an independent predictor of both radiological and symptomatic hyperperfusion after surgery in adult moyamoya disease (OR, 6.6 and 12.3, respectively).

Conclusions—

Postoperative hyperperfusion after surgical revascularization is not rare in moyamoya disease. Adult patients with a cerebral blood volume increase may be at high risk for radiological and symptomatic hyperperfusion after surgery. Careful perioperative management would reduce surgical complications and improve long-term outcome in moyamoya disease.