bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Arteriovenous Access Failure: Long-Term Outcomes of Endovascular Salvage and Assessment of Co-Variates Affecting Patency
Authors: Nikam Milind D. , Ritchie James , Jayanti Anu , Bernstein Ondina A. , Ebah Leonard , Brenchley Paul , Hutchison Alastair , Chalmers Nicholas , Mitra Sandip
Published: March 2015

Aims: This study reports long-term outcomes after endovascular salvage (EVS) for acute dialysis fistula/graft dysfunction. Methods: All patients presenting with acute fistula or graft dysfunction, excluding primary failures, referred for endovascular salvage were included in this single-centre prospective study. Results: Altogether, 410 procedures were carried out in 232 patients. Overall, the incidence of thrombosis/occlusion (per patient-year) was 0.12 for fistulae and 0.9 for grafts. The anatomical success rate for EVS was 94% for fistulae and 92% for grafts. Primary patency rates for fistulae at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months were 82, 64, 44, 34 and 26%, respectively, whereas secondary patency rates were 88, 84, 74, 69 and 61%, respectively. Primary patency rates for grafts at 1, 6 and 12 months were 50, 14 and 8%. The overall rate of complications was 6% with no incidence of symptomatic pulmonary embolism. In a Cox regression model, upper-arm location of fistula (HR 1.9, p = 0.04, n = 144) was associated with lower primary patency, whereas the presence of thrombosis was associated lower primary (HR 1.9, p = 0.004, n = 144) and secondary patency (HR 3.7, p < 0.001, n = 144). Aspirin therapy was associated with longer primary patency (HR 0.6, p = 0.02, n = 144) and secondary patency (HR 0.58, p = 0.08, n = 144). Conclusion: EVS is effective but longer-term outcomes are poor. Presence of thrombosis portends poor fistula survival and strategies for prevention need attention. Balloon maceration, our preferred declotting technique, is safe and the most cost-effective method. Aspirin therapy for patients presenting with failure of fistulae deserves further investigation.
Effect on Liver Enzymes of Biliopancreatic Diversion: 4 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Aller Rocio , Pacheco David , Izaola Olatz , Primo David , de Luis Daniel A.
Published: March 2015

Background: Elevated serum aminotransferase levels are commonly associated with obesity and with a progression to chronic liver disease. Bariatric surgery is the most effective strategy to achieve weight loss. Methods: We conducted the present study with the aim of evaluating the influence of biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) on liver enzymes levels during 4 years in morbid obese patients with normal aminotransferase (n = 65) and in morbid obese patients with high aminotransferase basal levels (n = 50). Results: A decrease in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities was significant after biliopancreatic diversion. The basal percentage of high aminotransferase levels and percentage of ratio ALT/AST <1 also decreased significantly at 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-years of follow-up in both groups. ALT (52 to 20%), AST (42 to 10%) and ALT/AST (80 to 22%) in patients with normal aminotransferase. ALT (82 to 20%), AST (70 to 6%) and ALT/AST (90 to 20%) in patients with elevated transaminase basal levels. Bariatric surgery was associated with a significant and sustained decrease in body weight in both groups. Serum trasnaminases level changes were positively correlated to body weight changes during follow-up. Conclusion: BPD is an effective method of achieving sustainable weight loss and reduced aminotransferase levels and enzyme ratios of liver damage.
Microhomology-Mediated Microduplication in the Y Chromosomal Azoospermia Factor a Region in a Male with Mild Asthenozoospermia
Authors: Katsumi Momori , Ishikawa Hiromichi , Tanaka Yoko , Saito Kazuki , Kobori Yoshitomo , Okada Hiroshi , Saito Hidekazu , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Matsubara Yoichi , Ogata Tsutomu , Fukami Maki , Miyado Mami
Published: March 2015

Y chromosomal azoospermia factor (AZF) regions AZFa, AZFb and AZFc represent hotspots for copy number variations (CNVs) in the human genome; yet the number of reports of AZFa-linked duplications remains limited. Nonallelic homologous recombination has been proposed as the underlying mechanism of CNVs in AZF regions. In this study, we identified a hitherto unreported microduplication in the AZFa region in a Japanese male individual. The 629,812-bp duplication contained 22 of 46 exons of USP9Y, encoding the putative fine tuner of spermatogenesis, together with all exons of 3 other genes/pseudogenes. The breakpoints of the duplication resided in the DNA/TcMar-Tigger repeat and nonrepeat sequences, respectively, and were associated with a 2-bp microhomology, but not with short nucleotide stretches. The breakpoint-flanking regions were not enriched with GC content, palindromes, or noncanonical DNA structures. Semen analysis of the individual revealed a normal sperm concentration and mildly reduced sperm motility. The paternal DNA sample of the individual was not available for genetic analysis. The results indicate that CNVs in AZF regions can be generated by microhomology-mediated break-induced replication in the absence of known rearrangement-inducing DNA features. AZFa-linked microduplications likely permit production of a normal amount of sperm, although the precise clinical consequences of these CNVs await further investigation.
VISAGENS E ASSOMBRAÇÕES NO RECIFE VELHO: SOBRE O FANTÁSTICO, A ALEGORIA E A HISTÓRIA
Authors: Pereira João Batista
Published: March 2015

O presente artigo busca refletir sobre os condicionantes teóricos da literatura fantástica e como a alegoria auxilia em sua compreensão na contemporaneidade. A problematização deste tropo no livro Introdução à literatura fantástica, de Tzvetan Todorov, e a ascensão do recurso alegórico como categoria hermenêutica, antevista na Origem do drama trágico alemão, por Walter Benjamin, permitem vislumbrar o fantástico com maior sentido e amplitude estética. À luz dessa perspectiva, a análise do relato “No riacho da Prata”, de Gilberto Freyre, revelou-se basilar ao restituir importância à história na apreciação daquele gênero literário. Em oposição ao que preconiza Todorov concluímos que, ao atribuir significação às emanações do contexto, não se inviabiliza a recepção do insólito e do sobrenatural contidos no texto, mantendo-se a hesitação do leitor ante a um acontecimento inexplicável quando apreendido pelas leis da realidade.
FUGA E BUSCA DE SI MESMO EM THE CATCHER IN THE RYE E O NARIZ DO MORTO
Authors: Salgado Maria das Graças de Santana
Published: March 2015

Advindos de culturas diferentes, porém compartilhando um mesmo período histórico, o escritor norte americano Jerome D. Salinger (1919-2010) e o brasileiro Antonio Carlos Villaça (1928-2005) foram críticos radicais do establishment ao qual pertenceram. Transgressores,  percebiam as instituições sociais como o lugar da inadequação e vislumbraram na fuga e reclusão a possibilidade de auto-expressão. O objetivo desse trabalho é discutir aspectos do discurso autobiográfico desses autores a partir dos livros The catcher in the rye (1951) e O nariz do morto (1970), observando pontos de aproximação e distanciamento entre ambos. Os dados sugerem que a persistente busca da verdade e de si mesmos representam uma espécie de tentativa de alcance do sagrado, revelando em ambos a característica híbrida de santo e insano.
UM ERRO QUE SEJA SEU (OU QUASE UMA ILUSÃO)
Authors: Correia dos Santos Carolina
Published: March 2015

Resenha de Olhos de Bicho, de Ieda Magri, publicado em 2013, pela Editora Rocco.
Imperativo palindromático infinito: literaturacontraliteratura
Authors: Sanches Vilalta Lucas Paolo
Published: March 2015

Trata-se no presente ensaio de criar uma relação de espelhismo entre o primeiro momento do texto dedicado à leitura de Foucault do que caracteriza um autor e o segundo momento, à leitura de Rancière do que pode vir a ser um espectador. Tal espelhismo visa produzir uma inquietação ética em nosso leitor para as relações entre escrita e leitura.
Sem regras nem freios - Loucura e criação na discussão romântica em torno do gênio
Authors: Anjos Yuri Cerqueira dos
Published: March 2015

A relação entre genialidade e loucura, tópos bastante antigo, parece ganhar contornos peculiares no pensamento romântico. Inspirado, ultrassensível, isolado e visionário, o gênio romântico transita com certa frequência no campo semântico da loucura. Entre oráculo, profeta e louco, ele se caracteriza pela sua capacidade de transgredir o estado atual das coisas e criar um novo mundo de possibilidades e experiências. Nesse sentido, exploraremos no presente artigo alguns aspectos dessa relação entre o gênio e o louco no contexto do debate romântico francês do início do século XIX e no livro William Shakespeare, de Victor Hugo.
A new genus and two new species of feather lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Philopteridae) from New Zealand endemic passerines (Aves: Passeriformes)
Authors: VALIM MICHEL P. , PALMA RICARDO L.
Published: March 2015

The first descriptions of New Zealand endemic feather lice belonging to the Brueelia-complex (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Philopteridae) are given. The new genus Melibrueelia and new species M. novaeseelandiae are described, illustrated and compared with morphologically close taxa within the complex. The type host of M. novaeseelandiae is the tui, Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae (Gmelin, 1788), and an additional host is the bellbird, Anthornis melanura (Sparrman, 1786) (Passeriformes: Meliphagidae), both endemic to New Zealand. Also, the new species Brueelia callaeincola is described and illustrated from four endemic bird species belonging to two endemic genera and an endemic family: Philesturnus carunculatus (Gmelin, 1789) (the type host), Ph. rufusater (Lesson, 1828), Callaeas cinerea (Gmelin, 1788) and C. wilsoni (Bonaparte, 1851) (Passeriformes: Callaeidae). Brief discussions on possible evolutionary histories of the new taxa are included.
A review of Mimapsilopa Cresson (Diptera: Ephydridae) from Brazil
Authors: MATHIS WAYNE N. , COSTA DANIEL N. R. , MARINONI LUCIANE
Published: March 2015

Species of Mimapsilopa from Brazil are reviewed with an emphasis on the fauna from southern Brazil, where six new species were discovered and herein are diagnosed and described. To facilitate identification of species, we have included a diagnosis of the tribe Discomyzini and of Mimapsilopa and have also provided an annotated key to the New World genera of the tribe. We have also provided photos of representative specimens, illustrations of structures of the male terminalia and a distribution map for all included species.
Description of the immature stages of Kuwanina betula Wu & Liu, with a discussion of its placement in the Acanthococcidae family group (Hemiptera: Coccoidea)
Authors: WU SAN-AN , NAN NAN
Published: March 2015

The immature stages of Kuwanina betula Wu & Liu are described and illustrated. Based on morphological and molecular data (18S and 28S rDNA), it is argued that K. betula is closer to Pseudochermes Nitsche than to Kuwanina Cockerell in Fernald and so this species is transferred to Pseudochermes as P. betula (Wu & Liu) comb. nov..
Additional descriptions of the plant bug genus Psallus from the Korean Peninsula (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae)
Authors: DUWAL RAM KESHARI , LEE SEUNGHWAN
Published: March 2015

Three new species of the plant bug genus, Psallus are recognized from the Korean Peninsula: Psallus (Calopsallus) injensis Duwal sp. nov., P. (Hylopsallus) taehwana Duwal sp. nov. and P. (Phylidea) yongdaeri Duwal sp. nov. These species are described with illustrations of male and female genitalic structures. A revised key to known species from the Korean Peninsula, including new species and biological notes are provided. The species, Psallus sanguinarius is observed in the South Korea for the first time.
Elucidation of the EP defect in Diamond-Blackfan anemia by characterization and prospective isolation of human EPs
Authors: Iskander Deena , Psaila Bethan , Gerrard Gareth , Chaidos Aristeidis , En Foong Hui , Harrington Yvonne , Karnik Leena C. , Roberts Irene , de la Fuente Josu , Karadimitris Anastasios
Published: March 2015

Key Points

Identification and prospective isolation of EEP and LEP from human bone marrow (BM) facilitates the study of erythropoiesis. Quantitative and qualitative defects in EP underpinning erythropoietic failure in DBA are restored in steroid-responsive (SR) patients.
Increase in cerebral oxygenation during advanced life support in out-of-hospital patients is associated with return of spontaneous circulation
Authors: Genbrugge Cornelia , Meex Ingrid , Boer Willem , Jans Frank , Heylen René , Ferdinande Bert , Dens Jo , De Deyne Cathy
Published: March 2015

Introduction

By maintaining sufficient cerebral blood flow and oxygenation, the goal of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is to preserve the pre-arrest neurological state. To date, cerebral monitoring abilities during CPR have been limited. Therefore, we investigated the time-course of cerebral oxygen saturation values (rSO2) during advanced life support in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Our primary aim was to compare rSO2 values during advanced life support from patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) to patients who did not achieve ROSC.

Methods

We performed an observational study to measure rSO2 using Equanox™ (Nonin, Plymouth, MI) from the start of advanced life support in the pre-hospital setting.

Results

rSO2 of 49 consecutive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients were analyzed. The total increase from initial rSO2 value until two minutes before ROSC or end of advanced life support efforts was significantly larger in the group with ROSC 16% (9 to 36) compared to the patients without ROSC 10% (4 to 15) (P = 0.02). Mean rSO2 from the start of measurement until two minutes before ROSC or until termination of advanced life support was higher in patients with ROSC than in those without, namely 39% ± 7 and 31% ± 4 (P = 0.05) respectively.

Conclusions

During pre-hospital advanced life support, higher increases in rSO2 are observed in patients attaining ROSC, even before ROSC was clinically determined. Our findings suggest that rSO2 could be used in the future to guide patient tailored treatment during cardiac arrest and could therefore be a surrogate marker of the systemic oxygenation state of the patient.
Mechanical ventilation modes for respiratory distress syndrome in infants: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Changsong , Guo Libo , Chi Chunjie , Wang Xiaoyang , Guo Lei , Wang Weiwei , Zhao Nana , Wang Yibo , Zhang Zhaodi , Li Enyou
Published: March 2015

Introduction

The effects of different mechanical ventilation (MV) modes on mortality outcome in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) are not well known.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science for studies published through April 2014 that assessed mortality in infants with RDS given different MV modes. We assessed studies for eligibility, extracted data, and subsequently pooled the data. A Bayesian fixed-effects model was used to combine direct comparisons with indirect evidence. We also performed sensitivity analyses and rankings of the competing treatment modes.

Results

In total, 20 randomized controlled trials were included for the network meta-analysis, which consisted of 2,832 patients who received one of 16 ventilation modes. Compared with synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) + pressure support ventilation (PSV), time-cycled pressure-limited ventilation (TCPL) (hazard ratio (HR) 0.290; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.071 to 0.972), high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) (HR 0.294; 95% CI 0.080 to 0.852), SIMV + volume-guarantee (VG) (HR 0.122; 95% CI 0.014 to 0.858), and volume-controlled (V-C) (HR 0.139; 95% CI 0.024 to 0.677) ventilation modes are associated with lower mortality. The combined results of available ventilation modes were not significantly different in regard to the incidences of patent ductus arteriosus and intraventricular hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Compared with the SIMV + PSV ventilation mode, the TCPL, HFOV, SIMV + VG, and V-C ventilation modes are associated with lower mortality.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease increases the risk of intensive care unit admittance and mechanical ventilation use among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Tsai Chen-Liang , Lin Yu-Huei , Wang Meng-Ting , Chien Li-Nien , Jeng Chii , Chian Chih-Feng , Perng Wann-Cherng , Chiang Chi-Huei , Chiou Hung-Yi
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is common among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and may have a deleterious effect on COPD prognosis. However, few studies have investigated whether GORD increases the risk of severe outcomes such as intensive care unit (ICU) admittance or mechanical ventilator use among COPD patients.

Methods

Propensity score matching by age, sex, comorbidities and COPD severity was used to match the 1,210 COPD patients with GORD sourced in this study to 2,420 COPD patients without GORD. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to explore the incidence of ICU admittance and machine ventilation with the log rank test being used to test for differences. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the risk of ICU admittance and mechanical ventilation use for patients with and without GORD.

Results

During the 12-month follow-up, GORD patients and non-GORD patients had 5.22 and 3.01 ICU admittances per 1000 person-months, and 4.34 and 2.41 mechanical ventilation uses per 1000 person-month, respectively. The log rank test revealed a difference in the incidence of ICU admittance and machine ventilation between the two cohorts. GORD was found to be an independent predicator of ICU admittance (adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj) 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28-2.38) and mechanical ventilation (HRadj 1.92, 95% CI 1.35-2.72).

Conclusion

This is the first investigation to detect a significantly higher incidence rate and independently increased risk of admission to an ICU and mechanical ventilation use among COPD patients who subsequently developed GORD during the first year following their GORD diagnosis than COPD patients who did not develop GORD.
Mitochondrial respiration and redox coupling in articular chondrocytes
Authors: Lane Rachel S , Fu Yao , Matsuzaki Satoshi , Kinter Michael , Humphries Kenneth M , Griffin Timothy M
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Chondrocytes rely primarily on glycolysis to meet cellular energy needs, but recent studies implicate impaired mitochondrial function in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. Our objectives were to investigate the ability of chondrocytes to upregulate mitochondrial respiration when challenged with a nutrient stress and determine the effect on mediators of chondrocyte oxidative homeostasis.

Methods

Primary bovine chondrocytes were isolated and cultured in alginate beads. Mitochondrial respiration was stimulated by culturing cells with galactose-supplemented media for a period of 1 or 5 days. Metabolic flexibility was assessed by measuring metabolite and enzymatic biomarkers of glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism. Oxidative homeostasis was assessed by measuring (1) cellular glutathione content and redox homeostasis, (2) rates of nitric oxide and superoxide production, and (3) the abundance and activity of cellular anti-oxidant proteins, especially the mitochondrial isoform of superoxide dismutase (SOD2). The regulatory role of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) in mediating the metabolic and redox responses was evaluated by chemical stabilization with cobalt chloride (CoCl2).

Results

After 5 days of galactose culture, lactate production and lactate dehydrogenase activity were reduced by 92% (P <0.0001) and 28% (P = 0.051), respectively. Conversely, basal oxygen consumption increased 35% (P = 0.042) without increasing mitochondrial content. Glutathione redox homeostasis was unaffected by galactose culture. However, the production of nitric oxide and superoxide and the expression and activity of SOD2 were significantly reduced after 5 days in galactose culture. Nuclear protein expression and gene expression of HIF-2α, a transcription factor for SOD2, were significantly downregulated (more than twofold; P <0.05) with galactose culture. CoCl2-mediated stabilization of HIF-2α during the initial galactose response phase attenuated the reduction in SOD2 (P = 0.028) and increased cell death (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Chondrocyte metabolic flexibility promotes cell survival during a nutrient stress by upregulating mitochondrial respiration and reducing the rate of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species production. These changes are coupled to a substantial reduction in the expression and activity of the mitochondrial anti-oxidant SOD2 and its pro-catabolic transcription factor HIF-2α, suggesting that an improved understanding of physiologic triggers of chondrocyte metabolic flexibility may provide new insight into the etiology of OA.
Anti-PM/Scl antibodies are found in Japanese patients with various systemic autoimmune conditions besides myositis and scleroderma
Authors: Muro Yoshinao , Hosono Yuji , Sugiura Kazumitsu , Ogawa Yasushi , Mimori Tsuneyo , Akiyama Masashi
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Anti-PM/Scl antibodies are associated with polymyositis (PM)/systemic scleroderma (SSc) overlap syndromes and are also found in other systemic autoimmune diseases. Although anti-PM/Scl reactivity is found in 3-11% of PM or SSc patients and in approximately 25% of PM/SSc overlap patients, previous large studies of Japanese patients with scleroderma reported that anti-PM/Scl are not found in Japanese patients at all. The PM/Scl autoantigen complex comprises 11–16 different polypeptides; ELISA with PM1-α peptide, which is a major epitope of the PM/Scl complex, has frequently been used for the detection of these antibodies in recent studies. However, no ELISA kit is commercially available in Japan.

Methods

In this study, we developed an immunoassay for measuring antibodies against recombinant PM/Scl-100 and PM/Scl-75 polypeptides, which are the two major targets of the complex, and we investigated their presence in 600 Japanese patients with various systemic autoimmune conditions. Immunoprecipitation analysis using the recombinants in addition to traditional radiolabeled cell extracts were also applied to ELISA-positive sera.

Results

In ELISA, 11 patients were positive for anti-PM/Scl-100 antibodies and 7 of these 11 patients were also positive for anti-PM/Scl-75 antibodies. Immunoprecipitation analysis using the recombinants in addition to traditional radiolabeled cell extracts confirmed that 9 out of these 11 patients immunoprecipitated the typical sets of PM/Scl proteins. In total, 4/16 (25%) undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) patients, 3/126 (2.4%) dermatomyositis patients, 1/223 (0.4%) SSc patients, 1/88 (1.1%) Sjögren’s syndrome patients, 0/123 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 0/17 patients with overlap syndrome and 0/7 patients with PM were judged to be positive for anti-PM/Scl antibodies.

Conclusions

This is the first report of Japanese autoimmune patients with anti-PM/Scl antibodies. In Japanese patients, anti-PM/Scl antibodies are only very rarely found, and they are not always specific for dermatomyositis (DM) or SSc; they are also present in various autoimmune conditions with the highest prevalence being in UCTD. All anti-PM/Scl-positive DM cases are complicated with interstitial lung disease and/or cancer, while no life-threatening involvement was found in other anti-PM/Scl-positive cases. Further studies on larger cohorts are necessary to define the clinical significance of anti-PM/Scl antibodies in autoimmune diseases.
CYB5A polymorphism increases androgens and reduces risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women
Authors: Stark Klaus , Straub Rainer H , Rovenský Jozef , Blažičková Stanislava , Eiselt Gabriele , Schmidt Martin
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by decreased androgen levels, which was the first hormonal abnormality described. Several studies indicated that steroidogenesis is directed towards endogenous glucocorticoids at the expense of androgens. The decisive step governing androgen synthesis is the 17,20-lyase activity of the CYP17A1 gene-encoded enzyme cytochrome P450 17A1. Here, we focused on the role in RA of the critical cofactor for 17,20-lyase activity, cytochrome b5, encoded by the CYB5A gene.

Methods

Data sets of two genome wide RA association studies (GWAS) were screened for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the CYB5A gene. Candidate SNPs in CYB5A were studied in a case–control study population of Slovakia. Expression analyses were done in synovial fibroblasts from RA patients by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and cytochrome b5–expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. Real-life androgen production after steroid conversion was measured using radiolabeled substrates.

Results

The study identified the RA-associated intronic SNP rs1790834 in the CYB5A gene in one GWAS and confirmed the same SNP in our study. The minor allele reduced RA risk selectively in women (P = 4.1*10−3; OR = 0.63, 95% CI [0.46-0.86]). The protective effect was confined to rheumatoid factor-positive (OR = 0.53, [0.37-0.75]) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide-positive (OR = 0.58, [0.41-0.83]) cases, respectively. The protective allele doubles CYB5A mRNA-expression resulting in 2-3fold activation of steroid 17,20-lyase activity, and protective allele was accompanied by a higher density of cytochrome b5-positive cells in synovial tissue.

Conclusions

CYB5A is the first RA susceptibility gene involved in androgen synthesis. Our functional analysis of SNP rs1790834 indicates that it contributes to the sex bias observed in RA.
Carotid artery plaque in women with rheumatoid arthritis and low estimated cardiovascular disease risk: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Corrales Alfonso , Dessein Patrick H , Tsang Linda , Pina Trinitario , Blanco Ricardo , Gonzalez-Juanatey Carlos , Llorca Javier , Gonzalez-Gay Miguel A
Published: March 2015

Introduction

We previously reported that most patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and moderate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk according to the Systematic COronary Evaluation score (SCORE) experience carotid artery plaque. In this study, we aimed to identify patient characteristics that can potentially predict carotid plaque presence in women with RA and a concurrent low CVD risk according to the SCORE.

Methods

A cohort of 144 women with an evaluated low risk of CVD (SCORE value of zero) was assembled amongst 550 consecutive patients with RA that underwent CVD risk factor recording and carotid artery ultrasound. Participants had no established CVD, moderate or severe chronic kidney disease, or diabetes. We assessed carotid plaque(s) presence and its associated patient characteristics.

Results

Carotid artery plaque was present in 35 (24.3%) of women with RA. Age, the number of synthetic disease-modifying agents (DMARDs) and total cholesterol concentrations were independently associated with plaque in multivariable stepwise backward regression analysis (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.15 (1.07 to 1.24), P <0.0001, 1.51 (1.05 to 2.17), P = 0.03 and 1.66 (1.00 to 2.73) P = 0.04), respectively). The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating curve (ROC) for the association with plaque was 0.807 (P <0.0001), 0.679 (P = 0.001) and 0.599 (P = 0.08) for age, total cholesterol concentrations and number of synthetic DMARDs used, respectively. The optimal cutoff value in predicting plaque presence for age was 49.5 years with a sensitivity and specificity of 74% and 75%, respectively, and for total cholesterol concentration, it was 5.4 mmol/l with a sensitivity and specificity of 63% and 70%, respectively. The plaque prevalence was 37.5% in patients (n = 80; 55.6%) with age >49.5 years or/and total cholesterol concentration of >5.4 mmol/l, respectively, compared to only 7.8% in those (n = 64; 44.4%) with age ≤49.5 years or/and total cholesterol concentration of ≤5.4 mmol/l, respectively.

Conclusions

Approximately one-third of women with RA who experience a low SCORE value and are aged >49.5 years or/and have a total cholesterol concentration of >5.4 mmol/l, experience high-risk atherosclerosis, which requires intensive CVD risk management.
Altered balance of interleukin-13/interferon-gamma contributes to lacrimal gland destruction and secretory dysfunction in CD25 knockout model of Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Bian Fang , Barbosa Flavia L , Corrales Rosa M , Pelegrino Flavia SA , Volpe Eugene A , Pflugfelder Stephen C , de Paiva Cintia S
Published: March 2015

Introduction

The lacrimal gland (LG) of the CD25-/- model of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) has high interleukin (IL)-17, IL-13 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) cytokines. The specific contribution of these cytokines to the onset and severity of dacryoadenitis in the CD25-/- mice has not been evaluated.

Methods

CD25−/−IL-17A−/−, CD25−/−IL-17−/−IFN-γ−/− and CD25−/−IFN-γ−/− were used at 4, 8, 12, 16 weeks (W). Total lymphocytic infiltration was evaluated by histology and characterized by flow cytometry. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentration was measured in tears. Immunofluorescent staining evaluated expression of IFN-γ receptor (IFN-γR) and apoptosis. Real-time PCR evaluated inflammatory and T cell-related cytokines expression in LG. Caspase-3, -8, -9 activities was assayed in LG lysates. T helper cytokines were measured in serum by Luminex assay.

Results

The greatest total LG infiltration at 8 W was seen in CD25−/−IL-17A−/− (95%), followed by CD25−/− (71%) and IL-17−/− (12%). Tear EGF concentration was in normal range in CD25−/− at 4 W and in very low levels in both CD25−/− and CD25−/−IL-17A−/−. CD25−/− had high levels of inflammatory cytokines transcripts in LG compared to IL-17−/− mice; however, CD25−/−IL-17A−/− had even higher IL-1β, IFN-γR, caspase-3, -8, -9 mRNA levels, greater immunoreactivity to IFN-γR in LG acini, greater number of apoptotic+ cells and greater caspases activities in the LG at 8 W. CD25−/−IL-17A−/− had lower IL-13 concentration and lower IL-13/IFN-γ ratio compared to CD25−/− in serum. CD25−/−IFN-γ−/− had lower number of apoptotic+ cells and decreased caspase-3 expression in LG. CD25−/−IL-17−/−IFN-γ−/− had lower total lymphocytic cell infiltration at 8 W (48%), CD4+T cell infiltration and expression of IFN-γR and apoptotic+ cells in the LG and increased tear EGF concentration in tears.

Conclusions

IFN-γ is critical for LG destruction and secretory dysfunction in the CD25−/− model of SS. Altered balance between IFN-γ and IL-13 in the CD25−/−IL-17A−/− mice accelerates LG destruction by increasing glandular apoptosis and facilitating apoptosis through increased expression of IFN-γR by glandular epithelium and activation of caspases. Targeting both IFN-γ and IL-17 may be beneficial for treating the LG inflammation in SS.
Apolipoprotein E-dependent load of white matter hyperintensities in Alzheimer’s disease: a voxel-based lesion mapping study
Authors: Morgen Katrin , Schneider Michael , Frölich Lutz , Tost Heike , Plichta Michael M , Kölsch Heike , Rakebrandt Fabian , Rienhoff Otto , Jessen Frank , Peters Oliver , Jahn Holger , Luckhaus Christian , Hüll Michael , Gertz Hermann-Josef , Schröder Johannes , Hampel Harald , Teipel Stefan J , Pantel Johannes , Heuser Isabella , Wiltfang Jens , Rüther Eckart , Kornhuber Johannes , Maier Wolfgang , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas
Published: March 2015

Introduction

White matter (WM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) hyperintensities are common in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but their pathophysiological relevance and relationship to genetic factors are unclear. In the present study, we investigated potential apolipoprotein E (APOE)-dependent effects on the extent and cognitive impact of WM hyperintensities in patients with AD.

Methods

WM hyperintensity volume on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images of 201 patients with AD (128 carriers and 73 non-carriers of the APOE ε4 risk allele) was determined globally as well as regionally with voxel-based lesion mapping. Clinical, neuropsychological and MRI data were collected from prospective multicenter trials conducted by the German Dementia Competence Network.

Results

WM hyperintensity volume was significantly greater in non-carriers of the APOE ε4 allele. Lesion distribution was similar among ε4 carriers and non-carriers. Only ε4 non-carriers showed a correlation between lesion volume and cognitive performance.

Conclusion

The current findings indicate an increased prevalence of WM hyperintensities in non-carriers compared with carriers of the APOE ε4 allele among patients with AD. This is consistent with a possibly more pronounced contribution of heterogeneous vascular risk factors to WM damage and cognitive impairment in patients with AD without APOE ε4-mediated risk.
Cell-bricks based injectable niche guided persistent ectopic chondrogenesis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and enabled nasal augmentation
Authors: Ba Ruikai , Wei Jianhua , Li Man , Cheng Xiaobing , Zhao Yimin , Wu Wei
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Developing cartilage constructs with injectability, appropriate matrix composition and persistent cartilaginous phenotype remains an enduring challenge in cartilage repair. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have chondrogenic potential. Current approaches to drive their chondrogenic differentiation require extensive cell manipulation ex vivo and using exogenous growth factors. However, preventing hypertrophic transition of BMSCs in vivo and maintaining persistent chondrogenesis remain bottlenecks in clinical application. This study aimed to develop completely biological, injectable constructs to generate cartilage by co-transplanting chondrocyte and BMSCs.

Methods

We fabricated fragmented chondrocyte macroaggregate (cell bricks) and mixed them with platelet rich plasma (PRP); BMSCs were mixed into the above constructs, allowed to clot and then subcutaneously injected into nude mice. Gross morphology observation, histological and immunohistochemical assay, immunofluorescence assay, biochemical analysis and gene expression analysis were used to compare the properties of BMSC-cell bricks-PRP complex with BMSC in PRP or BMSC/chondrocytes in PRP.

Results

The constructs of BMSCs-cell bricks-PRP that were subcutaneously injected resulted in persistent chondrogenesis with appropriate morphology, adequate central nutritional perfusion without central necrosis or ossification, and further augmented nasal dorsum without obvious contraction and deformation.

Conclusions

We concluded that cell bricks-enriched PRP clotting provides an autologous substance derived niche for chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vivo, which suggests that such an injectable, completely biological system is a suitable stem cell carrier for micro-invasive cartilage repair.
Zero-forcing beamforming for physical layer security of energy harvesting wireless communications
Authors: Zhu Fengchao , Gao Feifei , Yao Minli
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we consider the physical layer security for simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) in a multiple-input single-output (MISO) system that is consisted of three nodes: one transmitter with multiple antennas, one information decoding (ID) receiver with single antenna, and one energy harvesting (EH) receiver with single antenna. We propose a new zero-forcing based strategy that contains both the information beamforming and the energy beamforming, pointing to different receivers. To prevent the energy receiver from possibly eavesdropping the information, our target is to maximize the secrecy-rate of the ID receiver while at the same time maintaining a minimum required energy for the EH receiver. For the case that artificial noise is not used, the original non-convex problem can be directly converted into convex subproblems, where the closed-form optimal solutions are derived. For the case that artificial noise is used, the initial non-convex problem can be decomposed into two quasi-convex subproblems where closed-form solutions are derived, and the global optimal solutions are obtained with the aid of one-dimensional search. Simulations results demonstrate the trade-off between the maximum secret information rate and the transferred energy, which is characterized by the boundary of secret rate-energy (R-E) region.
Daily consumption of milk fat globule membrane plus habitual exercise improves physical performance in healthy middle-aged adults
Authors: Ota Noriyasu , Soga Satoko , Hase Tadashi , Shimotoyodome Akira
Published: March 2015

Our recent studies demonstrated that habitual exercise plus dietary supplementation with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) improved endurance capacity and muscle function by stimulating neuromuscular development in mice. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of dietary MFGM supplementation plus habitual exercise on the physical performance of middle-aged Japanese adults in a pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-four subjects (men, n = 22; women, n = 22) were randomly assigned into two groups: one received placebo tablets (placebo group, n = 22 [men, n = 11; women, n = 11]), while the other received MFGM tablets (MFGM group, n = 22 [men, n = 11; women, n = 11]). The subjects ingested either MFGM (1 g/day) or placebo (1 g/day of whole milk powder) tablets every day for the 10-week study period and engaged in an exercise training program twice per week. A physical function test was performed at baseline and at 5 and 10 weeks. A significant group-by-time interaction was found for the side step test, muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), and muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV). In the placebo group, there were no significant intragroup differences. In the MFGM group, side step score and muscle CSA were significantly greater at 10 weeks compared to the baseline, and MFCV was significantly higher than that in the placebo group at 10 weeks. The changes in percentage of the side step score, muscle CSA, and MFCV in the MFGM group were significantly higher than in the placebo group at 10 weeks. These results suggest that daily MFGM ingestion combined with regular exercise might enhance physical performance such as agility in middle-aged adults.
Improved yield of α-L-arabinofuranosidase by newly isolated Aspergillus niger ADH-11 and synergistic effect of crude enzyme on saccharification of maize stover
Authors: Patel Harshvadan , Chapla Digantkumar , Divecha Jyoti , Shah Amita
Published: March 2015

Background

In the view of depleting resources and ever-increasing price of crude oil, there is an urge for the development of alternative sources to solve the issue of fuel in the coming years. Lignocellulosic biomass is considered to be the most potential alternative resources for fossil fuel. Bioconversion of cellulosic and hemicellulosic components into fermentable sugars is the key step in producing fuel ethanol from lignocellulose. The enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass needs a highly balanced composition of cellulases and hemicellulases. Commercial enzymes are usually poor in accessory hemicellulolytic enzymes like α-L-arabinofuranosidase. The addition of such accessory enzymes in combination with cellulase or hemicellulase plays a vital role in improving the total yield of fuel ethanol by enhancing the saccharification yield.

Results

The newly isolated fungal strain Aspergillus niger ADH-11 produced a maximum of 22.14 U/g of α-L-arabinofuranosidase under solid-state fermentation using wheat bran as the substrate and modified Mandels-Weber medium at 30°C after 180 h of incubation. The optimization of various fermentation parameters was performed by response surface methodology employing Plackett-Burman design followed by Box-Behnken design. The yield of α-L-arabinofuranosidase was enhanced by 2.34-fold after executing statistical optimization of various fermentative parameters. Crude α-L-arabinofuranosidase was found to be highly stable for 3 h at its optimum temperature (55°C) and pH (4.0). The assessment of the crude enzyme extract in saccharification of alkali-treated maize stover revealed that the supplementation of crude α-L-arabinofuranosidase to commercial cellulase and crude xylanase mixture increased the saccharification yield up to 730 mg/g of maize stover.

Conclusions

The newly isolated A. niger ADH-11 was found to be a potential producer of α-L-arabinofuranosidase. The crude enzyme was active at low pH and high temperature which makes it suitable for various industrial applications such as enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass. The supplementation of α-L-arabinofuranosidase enzyme to commercial cellulases and hemicellulases improves the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to a greater extent.
Application of Cauchy-type integrals in developing effective methods for depth-to-basement inversion of gravity and gravity gradiometry data
Authors: Cai Hongzhu , Zhdanov Michael
Published: March 2015

One of the most important applications of gravity surveys in regional geophysical studies is determining the depth to basement. Conventional methods of solving this problem are based on the spectrum and/or Euler deconvolution analysis of the gravity field and on parameterization of the earth’s subsurface into prismatic cells. We have developed a new method of solving this problem based on 3D Cauchy-type integral representation of the potential fields. Traditionally, potential fields have been calculated using volume integrals over the domains occupied by anomalous masses subdivided into prismatic cells. This discretization can be computationally expensive, especially in a 3D case. The technique of Cauchy-type integrals made it possible to represent the gravity field and its gradients as surface integrals. In this approach, only the density contrast surface between sediment and basement needed to be discretized for the calculation of gravity field. This was especially significant in the modeling and inversion of gravity data for determining the depth to the basement. Another important result was developing a novel method of inversion of gravity data to recover the depth to basement, based on the 3D Cauchy-type integral representation. Our numerical studies determined that the new method is much faster than conventional volume discretization method to compute the gravity response. Our synthetic model studies also showed that the developed inversion algorithm based on Cauchy-type integral is capable of recovering the geometry and depth of the sedimentary basin effectively with a complex density profile in the vertical direction.
Uncertainty in reservoir modeling
Authors: Pyrcz Michael J. , White Christopher D.
Published: March 2015

Uncertainty is due to incomplete and imprecise knowledge as a result of limited sampling of the subsurface heterogeneities. Well data and seismic data have incomplete coverage and finite resolution. The interpretations are uncertain. Reservoirs are heterogeneous and difficult to predict away from wells. Ignoring uncertainty and locking in important model parameters and choices amounts to an assumption of perfect knowledge and is generally an unacceptable approach. Uncertainty must be explicitly modeled. Understanding the (1) sources of uncertainty, (2) methods to represent uncertainty, (3) the formalisms of uncertainty, and (4) uncertainty modeling methods and workflows were essential for the integration of all reservoir information sources and providing good models for decision making in the presence of uncertainty.
Prediction of elastic properties using seismic prestack inversion and neural network analysis
Authors: Mohamed Islam A. , El-Mowafy Hamed Z. , Fathy Mohamed
Published: March 2015

The use of artificial intelligence algorithms to solve geophysical problems is a recent development. Neural network analysis is one of these algorithms. It uses the information from multiple wells and seismic data to train a neural network to predict properties away from the well control. Neural network analysis can significantly improve the seismic inversion result when the outputs of the inversion are used as external attributes in addition to regular seismic attributes for training the network. We found that integration of prestack inversion and neural network analysis can improve the characterization of a late Pliocene gas sandstone reservoir. For inversion, the input angle stacks was conditioned to match the theoretical amplitude-variation-with-offset response. The inversion was performed using a deterministic wavelet set. Neural network analysis was then used to enhance the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and density volumes from the inversion. The improvement was confirmed by comparisons with logs from a blind well.
Genome-Wide Analysis of ChREBP Binding Sites on Male Mouse Liver and White Adipose Chromatin
Authors: Poungvarin Naravat , Chang Benny , Imamura Minako , Chen Junsheng , Moolsuwan Kanya , Sae-Lee Chanachai , Li Wei , Chan Lawrence
Published: March 2015

Glucose is an essential nutrient that directly regulates the expression of numerous genes in liver and adipose tissue. The carbohydrate response element–binding protein (ChREBP) links glucose as a signaling molecule to multiple glucose-dependent transcriptional regulatory pathways, particularly genes involved in glycolytic and lipogenic processes. In this study, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by next-generation sequencing to identify specific ChREBP binding targets in liver and white adipose tissue. We found a large number of ChREBP binding sites, which are attributable to 5825 genes in the liver, 2418 genes in white adipose tissue, and 5919 genes in both tissues. The majority of these target genes were involved in known metabolic processes. Pathways in insulin signaling, the adherens junction, and cancers were among the top 5 pathways in both tissues. Motif analysis revealed a consensus sequence CAYGYGnnnnnCRCRTG that was commonly shared by ChREBP binding sites. Putative ChREBP binding sequences were enriched on promoters of genes involved in insulin signaling pathway, insulin resistance, and tumorigenesis.
Dynamic Equilibria in Fluid Queueing Networks
Authors: Cominetti Roberto , Correa José , Larré Omar
Published: March 2015

Flows over time provide a natural and convenient description for the dynamics of a continuous stream of particles traveling from a source to a sink in a network, allowing to track the progress of each infinitesimal particle along time. A basic model for the propagation of flow is the so-called fluid queue model in which the time to traverse an edge is composed of a flow-dependent waiting time in a queue at the entrance of the edge plus a constant travel time after leaving the queue. In a dynamic network routing game each infinitesimal particle is interpreted as a player that seeks to complete its journey in the least possible time. Players are forward looking and anticipate the congestion and queuing delays induced by others upon arrival to any edge in the network. Equilibrium occurs when each particle travels along a shortest path.

This paper is concerned with the study of equilibria in the fluid queue model and provides a constructive proof of existence and uniqueness of equilibria in single origin-destination networks with piecewise constant inflow rate. This is done through a detailed analysis of the underlying static flows obtained as derivatives of a dynamic equilibrium. Furthermore, for multicommodity networks, we give a general nonconstructive proof of existence of equilibria when the inflow rates belong to Lp.
The future of supervision
Authors: Silverton Louise
Published: March 2015

Following the decision by the Nursing and Midwifery Council that supervision should no longer be part of its framework, Louise Silverton, RCM's Director for Midwifery discusses the future of midwifery supervision.