bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biotechnology and synthetic biology approaches for metabolic engineering of bioenergy crops
Authors: Shih Patrick M. , Liang Yan , Loqué Dominique
Published: March 2016

The Green Revolution has fuelled an exponential growth in human population since the mid‐20th century. Due to population growth, food and energy demands will soon surpass supply capabilities. To overcome these impending problems, significant improvements in genetic engineering will be needed to complement breeding efforts in order to accelerate the improvement of agronomical traits. The new field of plant synthetic biology has emerged in recent years and is expected to support rapid, precise, and robust engineering of plants. In this review, we present recent advances made in the field of plant synthetic biology, specifically in genome editing, transgene expression regulation, and bioenergy crop engineering, with a focus on traits related to lignocellulose, oil, and soluble sugars. Ultimately, progress and innovation in these fields may facilitate the development of beneficial traits in crop plants to meet society's bioenergy needs.
The Influence of Normal and Early Vascular Aging on Hemodynamic Characteristics in Cardio- and Cerebrovascular Systems
Authors: Yu Hongtao , Huang George P. , Yang Zifeng , Liang Fuyou , Ludwig Bryan
Published: March 2016

Age-associated alterations in cardiovascular structure and function induce cardiovascular disease in elderly subjects. To investigate the effects of normal vascular aging (NVA) and early vascular aging (EVA) on hemodynamic characteristics in the circle of Willis (CoW), a closed-loop one-dimensional computational model was developed based on fluid mechanics in the vascular system. The numerical simulations revealed that higher central pulse pressure and augmentation index (AIx) appear in the EVA subjects due to early arrival of reflected waves, resulted in the increase of cardiac afterload compared with the NVA subjects. Moreover, the hemodynamic characteristics in the CoW show that the EVA subjects in an older age display a higher blood pressure than that of the NVA with a complete CoW. Herein, the increased blood pressure and flow rate coexist in the subjects with an incomplete CoW. In conclusion, the hemodynamic characteristics in the aortic tree and CoW related to aging appear to play an important role in causing cardiovascular and intravascular disease.
Autophonic loudness perception in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Brajot François-Xavier , Shiller Douglas M. , Gracco Vincent L.
Published: March 2016

The relationship between the intensity and loudness of self-generated (autophonic) speech remains invariant despite changes in auditory feedback, indicating that non-auditory processes contribute to this form of perception. The aim of the current study was to determine if the speech perception deficit associated with Parkinson's disease may be linked to deficits in such processes. Loudness magnitude estimates were obtained from parkinsonian and non-parkinsonian subjects across four separate conditions: self-produced speech under normal, perturbed, and masked auditory feedback, as well as auditory presentation of pre-recorded speech (passive listening). Slopes and intercepts of loudness curves were compared across groups and conditions. A significant difference in slope was found between autophonic and passive-listening conditions for both groups. Unlike control subjects, parkinsonian subjects' magnitude estimates under auditory masking increased in variability and did not show as strong a shift in intercept values. These results suggest that individuals with Parkinson's disease rely on auditory feedback to compensate for underlying deficits in sensorimotor integration important in establishing and regulating autophonic loudness.
Organizational Misconduct: The Antecedents of Oversigning in College Football
Authors: Fizel John , Fairbank James F.
Published: March 2016

We used the pressure-opportunity model of organizational misconduct to examine the antecedents and extent of oversigning among NCAA Division 1 (Bowl Championship Series) football programs. The model incorporates organizational and environmental pressures, opportunities, and predispositions. The data sample spans 10 years, with the total sample of teams in a given year varying from 114 to 120, with a total of 1,155 annual team observations. We found that only environmental factors were significant antecedents for oversigning. We discuss our results in the context of possible reasons why the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) ignores enforcement of its bylaws.
Comparative effects of three 48-week community-based physical activity and exercise interventions on aerobic capacity, total cholesterol and mean arterial blood pressure
Authors: Mann Steven , Jimenez Alfonso , Domone Sarah , Beedie Chris
Published: March 2016

Aim

Insufficient research examines the treatment effectiveness of real-world physical activity (PA) interventions.

Purpose

We investigated the effects of 3 interventions on directly measured cardiovascular variables. All treatments and measures were administered in community settings by fitness centre staff.

Methods

Participants were sedentary individuals receiving no medication to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk (n=369, age 43 ±5 years). In a semirandomised design, participants were allocated to a structured gym exercise programme (STRUC), unstructured gym exercise (FREE), physical activity counselling (PAC) or a measurement-only control condition (CONT). Measures were: predicted aerobic capacity (VO2: mL kg min), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP: mm Hg) and total cholesterol (TC: mmol/L), and were taken at baseline and 48 weeks.

Results

Data analysis indicated a statistically significant deterioration in TC in CONT (0.8%, SD=0.5, p=0.005), and a statistically significant improvement in MAP in STRUC (2.5%, SD=8.3, p=0.004). Following a median split by baseline VO2, paired-sample t tests indicated significant improvements in VO2among low-fit participants in STRUC (3.5%, SD=4.8, p=0.003), PAC (3.3%, SD=7.7, p=0.050) and FREE (2.6%, SD=4.8, p=0.006), and significant deterioration of VO2among high-fit participants in FREE (−2.0%, SD=5.6, p=0.037), and PAC (−3.2%, SD=6.4, p=0.031).

Conclusions

Several forms of PA may offset increased cholesterol resulting from inactivity. Structured PA (exercise) might be more effective than either unstructured PA or counselling in improving blood pressure, and community-based PA interventions might be more effective in improving VO2among low-fit than among high-fit participants.
Selamectin versus ivermectin for cheyletiellosis in pet rabbits
Authors: Robinson Natalie , Brennan Marnie
Published: March 2016

BestBETs for Vets are generated by the Centre for Evidence‐based Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nottingham to help answer specific questions and assist in clinical decision making. Although evidence is often limited, they aim to find, present and draw conclusions from the best available evidence, using a standardised framework. A more detailed description of how BestBETs for Vets are produced was published last year (VR, April 4, 2015, pp 354‐356)
Quantification of organic acids in ruminal in vitro batch culture fermentation supplemented with fumarate using a herb mix as a substrate
Authors: Pisarčíková J. , Váradyová Z. , Mihaliková K. , Kišidayová S.
Published: March 2016

Two 24 h in vitro batch culture experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of fumarate addition (10 mmol L−1) on the ruminal fermentation parameters of selected medicinal herbs, and the effects of different doses of fumarate (0, 10, or 30 mmol L−1) on ruminal metabolism of organic acids when a high-concentrate diet (meadow hay and barley grain, 400/600, w/w) was supplemented with a mix of medicinal herbs (Artemisia absinthium L., Melissa officinalis L., Malva sylvestris L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Plantago lanceolata L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., and Althaea officinalis L.). Depending on the concentration, fumarate treatment decreased methane production (by 10–11%) and increased propionate proportions (by 5–13%) with high-concentrate diets. The organic acid (fumaric, succinic, malic, and lactic acid) concentrations in the batch culture were measured at intervals of 0, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h. The time and organic acid concentrations with 10 mmol L−1 fumarate were well correlated (R 2 = 0.846). The amount of succinate was accumulated and metabolized more slowly than that of fumarate (>24 h). The addition of fumarate and a herb mix could positively influence in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters of high-concentrate diets by increasing the levels of propionate and succinate as well as the pH, and by decreasing of methane emissions.
Supplementation of pre-weaning diet with l-arginine has carry-over effect to improve intestinal development in young piglets
Authors: Yang X.F. , Jiang Z.Y. , Gong Y.L. , Zheng C.T. , Hu Y.J. , Wang L. , Huang L. , Ma X.Y.
Published: March 2016

This study tested the hypothesis that pre-weaning supplemental arginine may have a carry-over effect on intestinal growth and development of piglets immediately after weaning. Fifty-four [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)] piglets were fed a milk replacer diet supplemented with 0 (control), 4, or 8 g kg−1 of l-arginine from d 4 to 21 of age (6 replicate pens of 3 piglets per group). Piglets were then weaned to a common corn–soybean meal diet and fed for another 21 d. On day 42, 6 pigs per treatment were randomly selected for blood and tissue sampling. Arginine supplementation improved body weight of the piglets on d 42, average daily gain during d 22–31 (P < 0.05). Supplementation of 8 g kg−1 arginine decreased feed:gain (F:G) ratio in piglets during d 22–31 (P = 0.010). Compared with controls, 8 g kg−1 arginine improved villous height in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum; villous area in duodenum and jejunum; relative intestine weight; and plasma contents of insulin at d 42 (P < 0.05). Arginine supplementation increased mucosal protein content in all 3 segments of the small intestine (P < 0.05). These novel results clearly demonstrate a carry-over effect of pre-weaning supplementation with arginine on enhanced intestinal growth and development in the early post-weaning period.
Hydrothermal alteration and lithogeochemistry of the Boundary volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit, central Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Buschette Michael J. , Piercey Stephen J.
Published: March 2016

The Boundary volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit (0.50 Mt at 3.5% Cu, 4.0% Zn, and 1.0% Pb, 34 g/t Ag) is hosted by the Tally Pond group (∼510 Ma), Victoria Lake supergroup, central Newfoundland, Canada, and represents a subseafloor replacement-style massive sulphide deposit. The deposit is hosted by rhyolitic lapilli tuff of the Bindons Pond formation. The rhyolites have immobile element signatures consistent with the formation of felsic rocks through the melting of juvenile-weakly evolved crust within an extensional rift environment (rifted peri-continental arc). The host rocks of the Boundary deposit contain elevated alteration indices, including high Ba/Sr, Hg/Na2O, chlorite–carbonate–pyrite index, and Ishikawa alteration index values. The mobile element geochemistry effectively differentiates between three distinct hydrothermal alteration styles: intense chlorite, chlorite-sericite, and quartz-sericite. Intense chlorite alteration exhibits mass gains in MgO and Cu and depletions in K2O and Ba. Chlorite-sericite alteration contains variable gains and losses of SiO2, K2O, Ba, MgO, and Fe2O3 depending on the dominant matrix mineral phase (i.e., chlorite vs. sericite). The quartz-sericite assemblage has mass gains in SiO2, K2O, Ba, and Fe2O3. Short-wave infrared spectroscopic data, particularly AlOH and FeOH absorption hulls, differentiate alteration styles and correlate with lithogeochemical results: AlOH absorption features increase in length (>2208 nm) proximal to Zn mineralization and wavelength variations correspond to relative abundances of sericite and chlorite. Electron probe microanalyses indicate that increasing short-wave infrared wavelengths correlate with increasing Mg–Fe and Fe contents in sericite and chlorite, respectively. Collectively, these data have been used to develop a three-dimensional alteration model of the Boundary deposit.
Effects of Paenibacillus polymyxa inoculation and different soil nitrogen treatments on lodgepole pine seedling growth
Authors: Yang Henry , Puri Akshit , Padda Kiran Preet , Chanway Chris P.
Published: March 2016

An endophytic diazotroph, Paenibacillus polymyxa P2b-2R, has been shown to colonize internal tissues of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson) and stimulate seedling growth possibly through nitrogen (N) fixation in an N-limited environment. We evaluated the effects of different soil N concentrations on lodgepole pine seedling growth after inoculation with P2b-2R in a year-long greenhouse study. Seedlings were subjected to monthly application of a nutrient solution containing one of four soil N concentrations as Ca(NO3)2 (5% 15N label): 0.0029, 0.029, 0.29, and 2.9 μmol·L–1, referred to as very low, low, medium, and high soil N treatments, respectively. Foliar 15N atom percent excess and foliar N content values of P2b-2R inoculated seedlings were not significantly different from controls at any N treatment. Similarly, rhizospheric and endophytic population of P2b-2R did not vary significantly across N treatments. Inoculation with P2b-2R resulted in seedling growth inhibition during early stages of the experiment; however, by month 12, inoculated seedlings from the very low soil N treatment had accumulated 56.3% and 46.4% more root and shoot biomass than controls, respectively. These results suggest that pine biomass stimulation by P2b-2R may depend on soil N concentrations and that such growth stimulation may occur without providing significant amounts of fixed N.
Effect of toluene onPseudomonas stutzeriST-9 morphology — plasmolysis, cell size, and formation of outer membrane vesicles
Authors: Michael Esti , Nitzan Yeshayahu , Langzam Yakov , Luboshits Galia , Cahan Rivka
Published: March 2016

Isolated toluene-degrading Pseudomonas stutzeri ST-9 bacteria were grown in a minimal medium containing toluene (100 mg·L−1) (MMT) or glucose (MMG) as the sole carbon source, with specific growth rates of 0.019 h−1and 0.042 h−1, respectively. Scanning (SEM) as well as transmission (TEM) electron microscope analyses showed that the bacterial cells grown to mid-log phase in the presence of toluene possess a plasmolysis space. TEM analysis revealed that bacterial cells that were grown in MMT were surrounded by an additional “material” with small vesicles in between. Membrane integrity was analyzed by leakage of 260 nm absorbing material and demonstrated only 7% and 8% leakage from cultures grown in MMT compared with MMG. X-ray microanalysis showed a 4.3-fold increase in Mg and a 3-fold increase in P in cells grown in MMT compared with cells grown in MMG. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis indicated that the permeability of the membrane to propidium iodide was 12.6% and 19.6% when the cultures were grown in MMG and MMT, respectively. The bacterial cell length increased by 8.5% ± 0.1% and 17% ± 2%, as measured using SEM images and FACS analysis, respectively. The results obtained in this research show that the presence of toluene led to morphology changes, such as plasmolysis, cell size, and formation of outer membrane vesicles. However, it does not cause significant damage to membrane integrity.
Soil-surface carbon dioxide emission following nitrogen fertilization in corn
Authors: Gagnon Bernard , Ziadi Noura , Rochette Philippe , Chantigny Martin H. , Angers Denis A. , Bertrand Normand , Smith Ward N.
Published: March 2016

Improvement in use efficiency of N fertilizers can potentially better sustain agriculture by reducing N2O emissions from soils, but little is known about its impact on soil CO2 emissions. A study, involving both a field experiment and a laboratory incubation, was conducted in eastern Canada to determine the N fertilization effect on soil CO2 emissions. In laboratory, we incubated nine different types of soil with and without 150 kg N ha−1 as KNO3 or (NH4)2SO4. The N-fertilized soils had lower CO2 emissions compared with the no-N control soils for six of them. Among fertilizer sources, emissions of CO2 were on average 22% lower with KNO3 than with (NH4)2SO4. The field experiment conducted on a clay soil included three sources of N (urea-NH4NO3, CaNH4NO3, and aqua NH3) at 0–200 kg N ha−1 band-incorporated at the six-leaf corn stage. Under field conditions, most CO2 was emitted between N application and grain maturity with cumulative seasonal soil emissions greater in the control (4.9 Mg C ha−1) than in the N treatments (average of 4.0 ± 0.3 Mg C ha−1). Evidence suggested that both heterotrophic and autotrophic respiration seemed affected, whereas the NO3-based source had a more depressing effect on CO2 emissions than did the NH4 source.
Anomalous dimensions on the lattice
Authors: Giedt Joel
Published: March 2016

We review methods and results for extracting the anomalous dimensions of operators from lattice field theory calculations. The most important application is the anomalous mass dimension in conformal or nearly conformal gauge field theories which might be related to dynamical electroweak symmetry breaking. Some discussion of the underlying theory of renormalization and mixing of operators is also included.
CHARACTERIZATION OF CuO THIN FILMS DEPOSITION ON POROUS SILICON BY SPRAY PYROLYSIS
Authors: KHASHAN KHAWLA S. , HASSAN AZHAR I. , ADDIE ALI J.
Published: March 2016

CuO thin films on porous silicon (PSi) substrates were prepared via spray pyrolysis method. The structural, optical and electrical properties of the films and the heterojunctions were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. XRD results show that the film is polycrystalline and have a monoclinic crystal structure. Optical measurement indicates that the films had a low transmittance at the visible range and an optical bandgap of 2.2[Formula: see text]eV. High rectification was achieved with a maximum photoresponsivity of about 0.59[Formula: see text]A/W at 400[Formula: see text]nm, so that the CuO/PSi heterojunction may act as a good candidate for the fabrication of an efficient photodiode.
Preparation of Quantum Gates for Open Quantum Systems by Lyapunov Control Method
Authors: Wen Jie , Cong Shuang
Published: March 2016

In this paper the control laws of preparing quantum gates are designed based on Lyapunov stability theorem for two level open quantum systems. We propose a novel Lyapunov function according to the matrix logarithm function, which has higher accuracy and faster convergence speed by comparing them with those of the Lyapunov function of distance. Based on the proposed function, we design two types of control laws to prepare quantum gates for different systems including Markovian quantum systems with phase damping and amplitude damping, non-Markovian quantum systems and closed quantum systems. Furthermore, the system robustness when the Hamiltonian contains uncertainty is further investigated. In order to verify the superiorities of proposed function and control method, NOT gates are prepared by the designed control laws for different systems in the numerical experiments, and the results are comparatively analyzed.
Hydrothermal synthesis of BaYbF5:Tm3+ nanoparticles for dual-modal upconversion near-infrared luminescence and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Liu Ping , Miu Wei
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we demonstrate multifunctional upconversion nanoparticles with intense near-infrared emission and unique magnetic properties for dual-modal upconversion luminescent bioimaging and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. High-quality BaYbF5:Tm3+ nanoparticles are synthesized via a hydrophobic method and then converted to be hydrophilic via a hydrochloric acid treatment. The as-synthesized nanoparticles are cubic phase and about 6 nm in diameter with narrow size distribution. The intense near-infrared emission makes these nanoparticles can be acted as bio-probes in upconversion luminescent bioimaging with deep tissue penetration. Besides, these nanoparticles can also be used as T2-weighted contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging due to the high value of relaxation rate (r2 = 4.05) in 0.55 T. This finding may have further bio-applications in the future due to the high performance of these BaYbF5:Tm3+ nanoparticles in dual-modal bioimaging.
The China Factor in South Korea's Foreign Relations
Authors: YUAN Jingdong
Published: March 2016

South Korea's foreign relations under President Park are characterised by a carefully crafted and balanced approach in both strengthening the traditional alliance with the United States and promoting a strategic partnership with China. The latter in particular is driven by the need to further expand economic ties and the hope that Beijing can help rein in Pyongyang's behaviours. North Korea's latest provocations threaten to unravel the premise of this approach.
ESTIMATING PREFERENCE PARAMETERS FROM STOCK RETURNS USING SIMULATED METHOD OF MOMENTS
Authors: BISWAS ANINDYA , MANDAL BISWAJIT
Published: March 2016

This study proposes a new way of solving standard dynamic problem based on Simulated Method of Moments (SMM) approach. It uses a newly introduced model of stock returns involving latent state variables and the regime-switching fundamentals and estimates three key preference parameters namely the Coefficient of Relative Risk Aversion, the Elasticity of Intertemporal Substitution and the subjective discount factor by suitably applying SMM and without directly using noisy consumption data. The estimates we found here seem to be relatively better than prevalent studies and very close to the true values of the parameters.
Endurance exercise increases skeletal muscle kynurenine aminotransferases and plasma kynurenic acid in humans
Authors: Schlittler Maja , Goiny Michel , Agudelo Leandro Z. , Venckunas Tomas , Brazaitis Marius , Skurvydas Albertas , Kamandulis Sigitas , Ruas Jorge L. , Erhardt Sophie , Westerblad Håkan , Andersson Daniel C.
Published: March 2016

Physical exercise has emerged as an alternative treatment for patients with depressive disorder. Recent animal studies show that exercise protects from depression by increased skeletal muscle kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) expression which shifts the kynurenine metabolism away from the neurotoxic kynurenine (KYN) to the production of kynurenic acid (KYNA). In the present study, we investigated the effect of exercise on kynurenine metabolism in humans. KAT gene and protein expression was increased in the muscles of endurance-trained subjects compared with untrained subjects. Endurance exercise caused an increase in plasma KYNA within the first hour after exercise. In contrast, a bout of high-intensity eccentric exercise did not lead to increased plasma KYNA concentration. Our results show that regular endurance exercise causes adaptations in kynurenine metabolism which can have implications for exercise recommendations for patients with depressive disorder.
Renoprotective effect of the xanthine oxidoreductase inhibitor topiroxostat on adenine-induced renal injury
Authors: Kamijo-Ikemori Atsuko , Sugaya Takeshi , Hibi Chihiro , Nakamura Takashi , Murase Takayo , Oikawa Tsuyoshi , Hoshino Seiko , Hisamichi Mikako , Hirata Kazuaki , Kimura Kenjiro , Shibagaki Yugo
Published: March 2016

The aim of the present study was to reveal the effect of a xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) inhibitor, topiroxostat (Top), compared with another inhibitor, febuxostat (Feb), in an adenine-induced renal injury model. We used human liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) chromosomal transgenic mice, and urinary L-FABP, a biomarker of tubulointerstitial damage, was used to evaluate tubulointerstitial damage. Male transgenic mice ( n = 24) were fed a 0.2% (wt/wt) adenine-containing diet. Two weeks after the start of this diet, renal dysfunction was confirmed, and the mice were divided into the following four groups: the adenine group was given only the diet containing adenine, and the Feb, high-dose Top (Top-H), and low-dose Top (Top-L) groups were given diets containing Feb (3 mg/kg), Top-H (3 mg/kg), and Top-L (1 mg/kg) in addition to adenine for another 2 wk. After withdrawal of the adenine diet, each medication was continued for 2 wk. Serum creatinine levels, the degree of macrophage infiltration, tubulointerstitial damage, renal fibrosis, urinary 15-F2t-isoprostane levels, and renal XOR activity were significantly attenuated in the kidneys of the Feb, Top-L, and Top-H groups compared with the adenine group. Serum creatinine levels in the Top-L and Top-H groups as well as renal XOR in the Top-H group were significantly lower than those in the Feb group. Urinary excretion of L-FABP in both the Top-H and Top-L groups was significantly lower than in the adenine and Feb groups. In conclusion, Top attenuated renal damage in an adenine-induced renal injury model.
Endoscopic Injection Therapy in Bleeding Peptic Ulcers. Low Mortality in a High Risk Population
Authors: Balanzó Joaqulm , Villanueva Candid , Espinós Jorge C , Sáinz Sergio , Soriano German , González Dolors , Rius Xavier , Calle Jorge Puig La , Vilardell Francisco
Published: March 2016

Endoscoric injection therapy was performed in 341 patients consecutively admitted with a bleeding peptic ulcer at high risk of further hemorrhage, assessed by the presence of active arterial bleeding or a nonbleeding visible vessel at emergency endoscopy. Initial hemostasis was achieved in 111 of 119 actively bleeding patients (93%). Rebleeding ocurred in 75 cases (23%), at a mean interval of 53±52 h. A second emergency injection was a ttempted in 36 therapeutic failures, and was successful in 20 (55%). Emergency surgery was finally required in 52 patients (15%). Overall mortality was 4.9%. Major complications occurred in four patients (1.2%) (two perforations and two aspiration pneumonia); therefore, injection therapy is an effective and simple method for treating bleeding ulcers, achieving the initial control of hemorrhage in a majority of cases although the rate of further hemorrhage is not negligible and complications are not irrelevant.
The Development of Hemochromatosis after Treatment for Celiac Sprue
Authors: Ma Mang , Ryan Edmond A , Bain Vincent G
Published: March 2016

Celiac sprue is a chronic disease characterized by maldigestion and malabsorption. Whereas many diseases have been reported in association with celiac sprue, hemochromatosis has not. A 62-year-old man with celiac sprue and a history of iron deficiency and osteopenic bone disease who developed hemochromatosis is reported. Liver biopsy showed portal tract fibrosis, early nodule formation and increased hepatic iron storage. The patient developed hemochromatosis with hepatic injury two years after his transferrin saturation became elevated and 10 years after he had been placed on gluten-free diet. Lifelong iron accumulation was prevented by chronic malabsorption of iron but hemochromatosis became manifest when his celiac sprue was treated.
Granular Cell Tumour of the Bile Duct in Association with Intrahepatic Bile Duct Adenomas
Authors: Schweiger F , Radhi J , Coop FW , Murphy RW
Published: March 2016

Granular cell tumour of the extrahepatic biliary tract is a rare benign lesion likely of neurogenic origin. Review of the previously reported cases indicates that almost all patients are female, and the majority is Black. Symptoms usually are those of biliary obstruction or cholecystitis. Surgical resection of the tumour is curative. Intrahepatic bile duct adenoma is another rare benign biliary neoplasm that does not manifest clinically but can be confused with metastatic carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma or other focal liver lesions at laparotomy or autopsy. The authors report the case of an asymptomatic Caucasian woman with biochemical evidence of liver disease who had a granular cell tumour of the bile duct as well as several intrahepatic bile duct adenomas.
Preoperative Localization of a Gastrin-Secreting Tumour by Total Body Imaging with111Indium-Labelled Pentatreotide
Authors: Ali Humera , Hendler Aaron , Taylor Bryce , Wolman Stephen
Published: March 2016

A 41-year-old female presented with persistent diarrhea, and was diagnosed with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome when her gastrin level was greater than 3000 ng/L. All modalities for preoperative localization of her gastrinoma were unsuccessful, including transabdominal and endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography, pancreatic angiogram, selective transhepatic portal venous sampling and magnetic resonance imaging. The gastrin-secreting tumour was visualized using the somatostatin analogue pentatreotide labelled with111Indium, combined with gamma camera imaging. A successful resection of the tumour resulted in the normalization of serum gastrin levels 3.5 years after presentation. A discussion of the merits and sensitivities of these tests for preoperative localization of gastrin-secreting tumours will be presented.
Endoscopic Fistulotomy – ‘The Suprapapillary Punch’: A Method of Access to the Bile Duct during ERCP
Authors: Hershfield Noel B
Published: March 2016

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is established as the method of choice to investigate the biliary tree when obstruction is suspected. On rare occasions, the papilla cannot be entered because of anatomical or pathological abnormalities. This report describes endoscopic fistulotomy or the suprapapillary punch that has been carried out at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta, on 30 of 623 patients referred for ERCP for conditions causing obstruction of the common bile duct or suspected obstruction of the common bile duct. The following communication also describes the method of suprapapillary punch or endoscopic fistulotomy. Results have been excellent with only one complication, a minor attack of pancreatitis after the procedure. In summary, the suprapapillary punch or fistulotomy is a safe and useful method for entering the common bile duct when access by the usual method is impossible.
Hepatic Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Authors: Duerksen Donald R , Jewell Laurence D , Bain Vincent G
Published: March 2016

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a clinical syndrome of the elderly characterized by malaise, proximal muscle aching and stiffness, low grade fever, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rare and the frequent association with temporal giant cell arteritis. The authors describe a case of PMR associated with hepatic giant cell arteritis. This lesion has been described in two other clinical reports. The distribution of the arteritis may be patchy; in this report, diagnosis was made with a wedge biopsy performed after an initial nonspecific percutaneous liver biopsy. The authors review the spectrum of liver involvement in PMR and giant cell arteritis. Hepatic abnormalities respond to systemic corticosteroids, and patients with hepatic arteritis have a good prognosis.
Benign Focal Epilepsy of Childhood and Gastroesophagael Reflux
Authors: Sheehan Anne G , Pelensky Sherry , Van Orman Colin , Martin Steven R
Published: March 2016

Gastroesophageal reflux has been associated with, and implicated in, a number of conditions, including respiratory disease (recurrent pneumonia, chronic cough, asthma), sudden infant death syndrome, dysphagia and central nervous disorders. An eight-year-old girl presented with an acute history that suggested gastroesophageal reflux. An esophageal motility study was abnormal and 24 h pH study demonstrated gastroesophageal reflux. Before the manometric study, a seizure was observed and subsequent neurological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of benign focal epilepsy of childhood, which was treated with carbamazepine. The symptoms resolved after eight weeks and the repeat reflux investigations were essentially normal. Oropharyngeal symptoms are common in benign focal epilepsy of childhood, a condition which is very responsive to therapy. Symptoms suggestive of this diagnosis - acute onset, with unusual oropharyngeal sensations, or seizures-occurring mainly at night may initially be confused with gastroesophageal reflux. Benign focal epilepsy of childhood should be considered in reflux presenting outside infancy.
Crohn’s Disease – The Pathogenesis of a Granulomatous Vasculitis: A Hypothesis
Authors: Wakefield Andrew J
Published: March 2016

Dissatisfied with traditional approaches to studying the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease, the author and colleagues proposed and developed the hypothesis that Crohn’s disease is a granulomatous vasculitis mediated by a persistent viral infection of the mesenteric microvascular endothelium. Employing a range of techniques, the mesenteric vascular anatomy of intestine affected by Crohn’s disease was studied and the presence of a widespread multifocal vasculitis was demonstrated. Based upon certain behavioural characteristics of measles virus, including its tropism for intestinal endothelium and its ability to persist in human tissues, this agent was sought by in situ hybridization, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. The virus was detected in foci of granulomatous and lymphocytic inflammation. Recent epidemiological data from Sweden support the idea that early exposure to measles virus is a risk factor for the later development of Crohn’s disease. These data are consistent with the possibility of a persistent measles virus enteritis in the etiology and pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease and this hypothesis merits further study.
Lessons in IBD Pathogenesis from New Animal Models of Spontaneous Colitis
Authors: Sartor R Balfour
Published: March 2016

The recent explosion of transgenic and targeted gene deleted (knockout [KO]) rodents has yielded a number of new animal models of spontaneous, chronic intestinal inflammation that have provided novel insights into the pathogenesis of human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Spontaneous colitis resulting from deletion of genes encoding key immunoregulatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐2, IL‐10 and transforming growth factor [TGF]‐beta) and T cell receptors (TCRs) demonstrates that an intact mucosal immune response prevents colitis. The TCR KO model incriminates B lymphocytes in spontaneous colonic inflammation – TCR KO with intact B cells causes colitis, but simultaneous deletion of T and B cells does not. This model and induction of colitis in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice by constitution with one T cell subset (CD45RHhi), but prevention by addition of the CD45RBlo subset, strongly suggest that T cell subsets down‐regulate inflammation in the normal, immunocompetent host. An essential role for normal luminal bacteria in induction and perpetuation of enterocolitis is provided by the absence of chronic intestinal inflammation in germ‐free (sterile) IL‐2 KO mice and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B27 transgenic rats, and attenuated inflammation in IL‐2 and IL‐10 KO mice raised under specific pathogen‐free conditions. The fundamental role of host genetic susceptibility in chronic intestinal inflammation and systemic manifestations is established by development of spontaneous colitis and perianal inflammation in C3H/HeJ Bir substrain mice and HLA‐B27 transgenic rats.
Finding the Right Index for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Irvine E Jan
Published: March 2016

Several activity indices have been developed to assess the efficacy of new therapies for inflammatory bowel disease. The ideal index should be simple to administer and quantitative. It should be a composite of subjective symptoms, objective findings and laboratory markers of inflammation. Any newly developed indices should be assessed for validity, reliability and responsiveness before application in clinical trials. Obstacles to standardizing disease activity relate to the heterogeneity of disease manifestations, the characteristics of the study population, the therapy being tested, the investigators' preference for which index to apply and the attributes of the index. Examples of available indices are identified, some of their limitations are discussed, and guidelines for how to select an index for a clinical trial are outlined.
How to Appraise a Clinical Trial Critically
Authors: Sutherland Lloyd R
Published: March 2016

Most clinicians wish to base their therapeutic decisions on scientific data but are often overwhelmed by the number of case reports, open series and other therapeutic trials published each year. It is essential to develop a personal screening plan that can alert the clinician to which reports deserve extra attention, as they may alter management, and to which reports can be ignored. The first step is to review the abstract. Decisions related to therapeutics should be based on ‘randomized’, ‘controlled’, ‘double-blinded’, ‘clinical trials’. If these key words are not included in the abstract, it is unlikely that the report will change clinical practice. Each of these terms describes an essential element that attempts to assure that the results of the trial will be unbiased and generally applicable to clinical practice. The next step is to examine the ‘Methods’ section. Clinicians should be interested in the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two questions arise. First, do the study participants resemble patients in your practice? Second, how many patients were assessed in order to enrol the study population? If only a few of the patients screened actually entered the trial the results may not be of use for the general population with the disease. Another important screening process is to review the ‘Statistical’ section. It is not necessary to be a statistician, but one should read the section to determine whether a sample size calculation was performed and whether confidence intervals have been calculated around the major end-points. By remembering these key concepts, clinicians can reduce the number of journal articles they read without compromising their ability to be informed of major breakthroughs in the management of disease.
A Jounal for Canada...and the World
Authors: Kalina Robert B
Published: March 2016

The gathering and distribution of information has undergone enormous change over the past decade. The electronics revolution has made it possible to collect an ever-increasing amount of data and make it available to an ever-increasing audience at an ever-increasing speed. Publishing peer-review medical journals, of course, is part of this revolution and has undergone as great a change as any member of this group.
Energy Expenditure in Infants in Health and Disease
Authors: Shepherd Ross
Published: March 2016

Measurement of energy balance represents a basic theoretical concept in the determination of nutritional and fluid requirements in humans in health and disease. Infants have special nutrient requirements, more limited reserves and relative immaturity of organ function. Energy requirements of infants have been based either retrospectively on intakes required to achieve normal growth or on equations derived from energy expenditure studies performed early this century. Recently, improved techniques for studying resting energy expenditure (REE), total energy expenditure (TEE) and metabolically active body compartments in infants have facilitated more accurate estimates of energy requirements. Such studies indicated that current reference values for energy requirements are overestimates, and that compared with measured values, predicted values vary markedly between the various predictive equations with wide co-efficients of variation. In disease states with altered body composition, such as cystic fibrosis and end-stage liver disease, predictive equations markedly underestimate both energy and fluid requirements. In cystic fibrosis, both TEE and REE are 25% higher than values in healthy infants. In extrahepatic biliary atresia, energy expenditure per unit body cell mass is markedly elevated, suggesting that this is a catabolic condition in infants. Current estimates of energy and fluid requirements in both health and disease in infants need reappraisal. Bedside and free living energy expenditure methodology should be used to define accurately components of energy requirement in individual infants.
Small Bowel Review - Part II
Authors: Thomson ABR , Wild G
Published: March 2016

Significant advances have been made in the study of the small bowel. Part II of this two-part review of the small bowel examines the early development and later ageing of the small bowel; the effect of diabetes, alcohol, radiation and HIV on the small bowel; enteral and parenteral nutrition; the brush border membrane and enterocyte proliferation; and peptide hormones (including transforming growth factors, motilin, peptide YY and cholecystokinin).
High Prevalence of Serum Immunoglobulin G Antibody toHelicobacter pyloriand Raised Serum Gastrin and Pepsinogen Levels in Enlarged Fold Gastritis
Authors: Yasunaga Yuichi , Bonilla-Palacios Juan José , Shinomura Yasuhisa , Kanayama Shuji , Miyazaki Yoshiji , Matsuzawa Yuji
Published: March 2016

To clarify the prevalence ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection in enlarged fold gastritis, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibody toH pyloriwas determined in 19 patients with severely enlarged gastric body folds (the widest fold greater than 10 mm on the radiograph), 55 patients with moderately enlarged folds (6 to 10 mm) and 44 control subjects (5 mm or less). The prevalence of serum IgG antibody toH pyloriin the severe (100%) and moderate groups (100%) was significantly higher than that in controls (34.1%) (PÃ0.01). There were significant differences among the three groups in serum gastrin, pepsinogen I and pepsinogen II levels (severe had the highest levels, followed by moderate and then controls, PÃ0.001).H pyloricolonization in the gastric mucosa was confirmed by culture, urease test or both, and inflammation by hematoxylin and eosin stain in the 25H pyloriseropositive patients who underwent endoscopy and biopsy. Results suggest thatH pyloriinfection is highly prevalent in enlarged fold gastritis. Further studies on enlarged fold gastritis andH pyloriinfection are needed.
Management of Viral Hepatitis: Clinical and Public Health Perspectives – A Consensus Statement
Authors: Sherman M , Casl Hapatitis Consensus Group
Published: March 2016

The Canadian Liver Foundation convened a two-day conference in September 1996, at which experts from across Canada were invited to discuss various aspects of viral hepatitis and to issue guidelines to assist practitioners in caring for patients with these diseases. The proceedings of this conference were transcribed and submitted to all participants for approval before being submitted for publication. The views expressed in this article represent the consensus opinion of the group. Where there was significant difference of opinion this is explicitly stated, and opposing points of view are given.
Mucinous Cystadenoma of the Appendix in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erthematosus
Authors: Wirtzfeld Debrah A , Price Lorne M , Duggan Maire A , Medlicott Shaun AC , Sutherland Francis R
Published: March 2016

A 38-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea and iron-deficient anemia. Computed tomogram showed a 2x4 cm inhomogeneous lesion of the right adnexa. An unusual mass was identified extending from the appendiceal orifice at colonoscopy, and an 8 cm tubular appendix, apparently prolapsed into the cecum, was identified at celiotomy. An appendectomy with cecectomy was performed. On cut section, mucin was extruded from the lumen of the appendix. A mucinous neoplasm of the appendix with mucinous dissection to the serosal surface was reported at the time of frozen section. No gross ovarian pathology or peritoneal implants were noted. Cystadenoma with associated mucocele formation was verified by permanent histology. Mucocele of the vermiform appendix is a rare condition associated with neoplastic transformation in approximately 75% of all cases. Benign mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix should be differentiated from cystadenocarcinoma by frozen section at the time of celiotomy to ensure appropriate treatment. While systemic lupus erythematosus can lead to cutaneous mucinosis, an association with mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix has not been previously reported. Surveillance for metachronous colonic neoplasms is warranted in patients diagnosed with a mucinous neoplasm of the appendix.
The Therapeutic Targets of miRNA in Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Bimonte Sabrina , Leongito Maddalena , Barbieri Antonio , del Vecchio Vitale , Falco Michela , Giudice Aldo , Palaia Raffaele , Albino Vittorio , Di Giacomo Raimondo , Petrillo Antonella , Granata Vincenza , Izzo Francesco
Published: March 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer death in patients. Several studies demonstrated that hepatic cancer stem cells (HCSCs), also called tumor‐initiating cells, are involved in regulation of HCC initiation, tumor progression, metastasis development, and drug resistance. Despite the extensive research, the underlying mechanisms by which HCSCs are regulated remain still unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are able to regulate a lot of biological processes such as self‐renewal and pluripotency of HCSCs, representing a new promising strategy for treatment of HCC chemotherapy‐resistant tumors. In this review, we synthesize the latest findings on therapeutic regulation of HCSCs by miRNAs, in order to highlight the perspective of novel miRNA‐based anticancer therapies for HCC treatment.
Benzyl-1,2,4-triazoles as CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands: Preparation and In Vitro Pharmacological Evaluation
Authors: Hernandez-Folgado Laura , Decara Juan , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Goya Pilar , Jagerovic Nadine
Published: March 2016

In a previous study, we have identified 3-alkyl-1,5-diaryl-1H-1,2,4-triazoles to be a novel class of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) antagonists. In order to expand the number of cannabinoid ligands with a central 1,2,4-triazole scaffold, we have synthesized a novel series of 1-benzyl-1H-1,2,4-triazoles, and some of them were evaluated by CB1R radioligand binding assays. Compound 12a showed the most interesting pharmacological properties, possessing a CB1R affinity in the nanomolar range.
FSD-HSO Optimization Algorithm for Closed Fringes Interferogram Demodulation
Authors: Rodriguez-Marmolejo Ulises H. , Mora-Gonzalez Miguel , Muñoz-Maciel Jesus , Ramirez-delreal Tania A.
Published: March 2016

Due to the physical nature of the interference phenomenon, extracting the phase of an interferogram is a known sinusoidal modulation problem. In order to solve this problem, a new hybrid mathematical optimization model for phase extraction is established. The combination of frequency guide sequential demodulation and harmony search optimization algorithms is used for demodulating closed fringes patterns in order to find the phase of interferogram applications. The proposed algorithm is tested in four sets of different synthetic interferograms, finding a range of average relative error in phase reconstructions of 0.14–0.39 rad. For reference, experimental results are compared with the genetic algorithm optimization technique, obtaining a reduction in the error up to 0.1448 rad. Finally, the proposed algorithm is compared with a very known demodulation algorithm, using a real interferogram, obtaining a relative error of 1.561 rad. Results are shown in patterns with complex fringes distribution.