bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients with Salivary Gland Tumor
Authors: Andisheh Tadbir Azadeh , Khademi Bijan , Malekzadeh Mahyar , Mardani Maryam , Khademi Bahar
Published: July 2013

Neoangiogenesis is essential for tumor development, invasion, and dissemination. The most potent of the cytokines associated with angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The aim of the present study was to determine VEGF serum level in patients with salivary gland tumor. Using an ELISA kit, the circulating levels of VEGF in sera from 58 patients with salivary gland tumor and 30 healthy controls were assessed. Mean VEGF levels in sera of patients with salivary gland tumors (574.9 ± 414.3) were significantly higher than those in controls (263.9 ± 310.0) (P=0.009). Within the salivary gland tumor group, mean serum VEGF concentration in malignant tumors (n=27) was 727.3 ± 441.8 pg/mL, and that in benign tumors (n=31) was 442.2 ± 343.3 pg/mL. Mean serum VEGF concentration was significantly higher in malignant tumors than in benign tumors (P=0.008) and was higher in benign tumors than in controls (P=0.03). The data in the present study clearly show that VEGF level was consistently upregulated in benign and malignant tumors in comparison to healthy controls. However, the role of VEGF as a prognostic factor in salivary gland tumor and its application in antiangiogenic therapy require further clinical research.
Autoimmune Hepatitis with Anti Centromere Antibodies
Authors: Lodh Moushumi , Pradhan Debkant , Parida Ashok
Published: July 2013

We present the case report of a 49-year-old type 2 diabetes mellitus patient presenting with abdominal pain and black stool for 15 days. A proper workup of laboratory investigations helped us diagnose autoimmune hepatitis with anticentromere antibodies. The authors would like to highlight that screening AIH patients for anticentromere antibody is not mandatory but can be considered, especially in the presence of disease-related symptomatology for quicker, more accurate diagnosis and optimum management.
A Case of Polymyxin b-Immobilized Fiber Column Treatment for Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Pneumonia Associated with Clinically Amyopathic Dermatomyositis
Authors: Sasaki Oh , Dohi Makoto , Harada Hiroaki , Imamura Mitsuru , Tsuchida Yumi , Yamaguchi Kensuke , Komai Toshihiko , Yamamoto Kazuhiko
Published: July 2013

We report a case of rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia associated with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis who responded to single course of polymyxin b-immobilized fiber column treatment. Initial treatment with pulsed corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, intravenous immunoglobulin, and cyclosporine seemed to suppress the activity of interstitial lung disease temporarily, but signs of relapse were detected such as elevation of serum KL-6 level and progressing pulmonary shadows in chest computed tomography scan. After polymyxin b-immobilized fiber column treatment, the areas of pulmonary shadows drastically decreased. Gradually, arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio recovered, and serum ferritin level and KL-6 level decreased. These findings indicate that polymyxin b-immobilized fiber column treatment could be promising in combination with conventional therapy for rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia associated with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis, especially at the early phase of relapse.
Thermal Characterization of the Overload Carbon Resistors
Authors: Kostić Ivana , Tomić Ljubiša , Kovačević Aleksandar , Nikolić Saša
Published: July 2013

In many applications, the electronic component is not continuously but only intermittently overloaded (e.g., inrush current, short circuit, or discharging interference). With this paper, we provide insight into carbon resistors that have to hold out a rarely occurring transient overload. Using simple electrical circuit, the resistor is overheating with higher current than declared, and dissipation is observed by a thermal camera.
Two-Agent Single-Machine Scheduling of Jobs with Time-Dependent Processing Times and Ready Times
Authors: Kung Jan-Yee , Chao Yuan-Po , Lee Kuei-I , Kang Chao-Chung , Lin Win-Chin
Published: July 2013

Scheduling involving jobs with time-dependent processing times has recently attracted much research attention. However, multiagent scheduling with simultaneous considerations of jobs with time-dependent processing times and ready times is relatively unexplored. Inspired by this observation, we study a two-agent single-machine scheduling problem in which the jobs have both time-dependent processing times and ready times. We consider the model in which the actual processing time of a job of the first agent is a decreasing function of its scheduled position while the actual processing time of a job of the second agent is an increasing function of its scheduled position. In addition, each job has a different ready time. The objective is to minimize the total completion time of the jobs of the first agent with the restriction that no tardy job is allowed for the second agent. We propose a branch-and-bound and several genetic algorithms to obtain optimal and near-optimal solutions for the problem, respectively. We also conduct extensive computational results to test the proposed algorithms and examine the impacts of different problem parameters on their performance.
Adalimumab (TNFαInhibitor) Therapy Exacerbates IgA Glomerulonephritis Acute Renal Injury and Induces Lupus Autoantibodies in a Psoriasis Patient
Authors: Wei S. S. , Sinniah R.
Published: July 2013

Adalimumab (Humira) is a tumour necrosis factorα(TNFα) inhibitor that is approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (Sullivan and Preda (2009), Klinkhoff (2004), and Medicare Australia). Use of TNFαinhibitors is associated with the induction of autoimmunity (systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, and sarcoidosis or sarcoid-like granulomas) (Ramos-Casals et al. (2010)). We report a patient with extensive psoriasis presenting with renal failure and seropositive lupus markers without classical lupus nephritis after 18 months treatment with adalimumab. He has renal biopsy proven IgA nephritis instead. Renal biopsy is the key diagnostic tool in patients presenting with adalimumab induced nephritis and renal failure. He made a remarkable recovery after adalimumab cessation and steroid treatment. To our knowledge, this is a unique case of a psoriasis patient presenting with seropositive lupus markers without classical lupus nephritis renal failure and had renal biopsy proven IgA glomerulonephritis after receiving adalimumab.
Polyphenols in Exercise Performance and Prevention of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage
Authors: Malaguti Marco , Angeloni Cristina , Hrelia Silvana
Published: July 2013

Although moderate physical exercise is considered an essential component of a healthy lifestyle that leads the organism to adapt itself to different stresses, exercise, especially when exhaustive, is also known to induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle damage. Many efforts have been carried out to identify dietary strategies or micronutrients able to prevent or at least attenuate the exercise-induced muscle damage and stress. Unfortunately most studies have failed to show protection, and at the present time data supporting the protective effect of micronutrients, as antioxidant vitamins, are weak and trivial. This review focuses on those polyphenols, present in the plant kingdom, that have been recently suggested to exert some positive effects on exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress. In the last decade flavonoids as quercetin, catechins, and other polyphenols as resveratrol have caught the scientists attention. However, at the present time drawing a clear and definitive conclusion seems to be untimely.
Botanical Agents for the Treatment of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
Authors: Millsop Jillian W. , Sivamani Raja K. , Fazel Nasim
Published: July 2013

Nonmelanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are common neoplasms worldwide and are the most common cancers in the United States. Standard therapy for cutaneous neoplasms typically involves surgical removal. However, there is increasing interest in the use of topical alternatives for the prevention and treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer, particularly superficial variants. Botanicals are compounds derived from herbs, spices, stems, roots, and other substances of plant origin and may be used in the form of dried or fresh plants, extracted plant material, or specific plant-derived chemicals. They possess multiple properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties and are, therefore, believed to be possible chemopreventive agents or substances that may suppress or reverse the process of carcinogenesis. Here, we provide a review of botanical agents studied for the treatment and prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancers.
A Whole Genome Pairwise Comparative and Functional Analysis of Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA
Authors: Selvaraj Ashok , Thankaswamy Kosalai Subazini , Chinnasamy Perumal Rajadurai , Pitchai Subhashini , Kumar Gopal Ramesh
Published: July 2013

Geobacter species are involved in electricity production, bioremediations, and various environmental friendly activities. Whole genome comparative analyses of Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA, Geobacter bemidjiensis Bem, Geobacter sp. FRC-32, Geobacter lovleyi SZ, Geobacter sp. M21, Geobacter metallireducens GS-15, Geobacter uraniireducens Rf4 have been made to find out similarities and dissimilarities among them. For whole genome comparison of Geobacter species, an in-house tool, Geobacter Comparative Genomics Tool (GCGT) has been developed using BLASTALL program, and these whole genome analyses yielded conserved genes and they are used for functional prediction. The conserved genes identified are about 2184 genes, and these genes are classified into 14 groups based on the pathway information. Functions for 74 hypothetical proteins have been predicted based on the conserved genes. The predicted functions include pilus type proteins, flagellar proteins, ABC transporters, and other proteins which are involved in electron transfer. A phylogenetic tree from 16S rRNA of seven Geobacter species showed that G. sulfurreducens PCA is closely related to G. metallireducens GS-15 and G. lovleyi SZ. For evolutionary study, acetate kinase protein is used, which showed closeness to Pelobacter propionicus, Pelobacter carbinolicus, and Deferribacteraceae family bacterial species. These results will be useful to enhance electricity production by using biotechnological approaches.
Controlling Chaos: The Perceptions of Long-Term Crack Cocaine Users in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Persaud Steven , Tzemis Despina , Kuo Margot , Bungay Vicky , Buxton Jane A.
Published: July 2013

People who smoke crack cocaine are described as chaotic and more likely to engage in risky sex, polysubstance use and contract infectious diseases. However, little is known about how individuals perceive smoking crack as compared to other forms of cocaine use, especially injection. We explored the lived experience of people who smoke crack cocaine. Six gender-specific focus groups (n=31) of individuals who currently smoke crack in Vancouver, Canada, were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Focus groups were transcribed and analyzed by constant comparative methodology. We applied Rhodes’ risk environment to the phenomenological understanding that individuals have regarding how crack has affected their lives. Subjects reported that smoking rather than injecting cocaine allows them to begin “controlling chaos” in their lives. Controlling chaos was self-defined using nontraditional measures such as the ability to maintain day-to-day commitments and housing stability. The phenomenological lens of smoking crack instead of injecting cocaine “to control chaos” contributes a novel perspective to our understanding of the crack-smoking population. This study examines narratives which add to prior reports of the association of crack smoking and increased chaos and suggests that, for some, inhaled crack may represent efforts towards self-directed harm reduction.
Solid Suspension by an Upflow Mixture of Fluid and Larger Particles
Authors: Di Felice Renzo , Rotondi Marco
Published: July 2013

In this paper new experimental observation is reported in order to shed light on the fluid dynamic interactions between the solid and the fluid phases in binary solid mixture suspensions. More specifically the case where a solid particle species is suspended by a slurry made up of fluid and larger particles has been investigated as there appear to be no previous studies on this type of systems. The effect of the presence of the larger solids in the fluidising media is quite evident from the experimental observation, and this effect can be quantified in first approximation by a very simple model based on the assumption that the larger solid restricts the available area for the fluid flow.
Prognostic Value of the Six-Minute Walk Test in Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Literature Review
Authors: Zielińska Dominika , Bellwon Jerzy , Rynkiewicz Andrzej , Elkady Mohamed Amr
Published: July 2013

Background. The prognostic value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is known, but the predictive value of 6MWT in patients with heart failure (HF) and patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is not established yet.Objective. We conducted a systematic review exploring the prognostic value of 6MWT in HF patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The aim was to find out whether the change in the distance walked during follow-up visits was associated with prognosis.Data Source. We searched “PubMed” from January 1990 to December 2012 for any review articles or experimental studies investigating the prognostic value of 6MWT in HF patients and patients undergoing cardiac surgery.Results. 53 studies were included in the review, and they explored the role of 6MWT in cardiology, cardiac surgery, and rehabilitation. The results did not show the relation between the six-minute walk distance and adverse events after CABG. The predictive power of the distance walked for death in HF patients undergoing cardiac surgery was not found. It is not yet proved if the change in the six-minute walk distance is associated with prognosis. The predictive power of the six-minute walk distance for death in HF patients undergoing cardiac surgery remains unclear.
Biomarker-Based Ovarian Carcinoma Typing: A Histologic Investigation in the Ovarian Tumor Tissue Analysis Consortium
Authors: Köbel Martin , Kalloger Steve E. , Lee Sandra , Duggan Máire A. , Kelemen Linda E. , Prentice Leah , Kalli Kimberly R. , Fridley Brooke L. , Visscher Daniel W. , Keeney Gary L. , Vierkant Robert A. , Cunningham Julie M. , Chow Christine , Ness Roberta B. , Moysich Kirsten , Edwards Robert , Modugno Francesmary , Bunker Clareann , Wozniak Eva L. , Benjamin Elizabeth , Gayther Simon A. , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Menon Usha , Gilks C. Blake , Huntsman David G. , Ramus Susan J. , Goode Ellen L.
Published: July 2013

Background: Ovarian carcinoma is composed of five major histologic types, which associate with outcome and predict therapeutic response. Our aim was to evaluate histologic type assessments across the centers participating in the Ovarian Tumor Tissue Analysis (OTTA) consortium using an immunohistochemical (IHC) prediction model.

Methods: Tissue microarrays (TMA) and clinical data were available for 524 pathologically confirmed ovarian carcinomas. Centralized IHC was conducted for ARID1A, CDKN2A, DKK1, HNF1B, MDM2, PGR, TP53, TFF3, VIM, and WT1, and three histologic type assessments were compared: the original pathologic type, an IHC-based calculated type (termed TB_COSPv2), and a WT1-assisted TMA core review.

Results: The concordance between TB_COSPv2 type and original type was 73%. Applying WT1-assisted core review, the remaining 27% discordant cases subdivided into unclassifiable (6%), TB_COSPv2 error (6%), and original type error (15%). The largest discordant subgroup was classified as endometrioid carcinoma by original type and as high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) by TB_COSPv2. When TB_COSPv2 classification was used, the difference in overall survival of endometrioid carcinoma compared with HGSC became significant [RR 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.37–0.93; P = 0.021], consistent with previous reports. In addition, 71 cases with unclear original type could be histologically classified by TB_COSPv2.

Conclusions: Research cohorts, particularly those across different centers within consortia, show significant variability in original histologic type diagnosis. Our IHC-based reclassification produced more homogeneous types with respect to outcome than original type.

Impact: Biomarker-based classification of ovarian carcinomas is feasible, improves comparability of results across research studies, and can reclassify cases which lack reliable original pathology. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(10); 1677–86. ©2013 AACR.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Reductase Genes Are not Associated with Response to Daunorubicin-Based Remission Induction
Authors: Lubieniecka Joanna M. , Liu Jie , Graham Jinko , Heffner Daniel , Reid Ronald , Hogge Donna , Grigliatti Tom A. , Riggs Wayne K.
Published: July 2013

Background: To improve the quality of care for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), biomarkers predictive of response to the standard daunorubicin-based induction therapy are needed. Genetic variants affecting daunorubicin metabolism are attractive candidates for such biomarkers.

Methods: We have previously shown that 13 of the naturally occurring nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the reductase genes affect daunorubicin metabolism in vitro. Here, we test these SNPs individually and jointly for association with response to one cycle of daunorubicin-based chemotherapy in a sample of 189 patients with acute myelogenous leukemia.

Results: Of the 13 SNPs included in this study, only 5 passed quality control filters. No association was found between these 5 SNPs and response to one cycle of daunorubicin-based induction therapy in either individual or joint effect tests.

Conclusions: Despite their showing in vitro effect on metabolic rate of daunorubicin, the nonsynonymous SNPs in the reductase genes on their own are not significant contributors to the observed variability in response to daunorubicin therapy and thus, as singularities, are not useful biomarkers of this outcome.

Impact: The results of this investigation provide important information for studies on personalization of anthracycline-based therapies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(10); 1918–20. ©2013 AACR.
Protein Kinase C-δ–Mediated Recycling of Active KIT in Colon Cancer
Authors: Park Misun , Kim Won Kyu , Song Meiying , Park Minhee , Kim Hyunki , Nam Hye Jin , Baek Sung Hee , Kim Hoguen
Published: July 2013

Purpose: Abnormal signaling through receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) moieties is important in tumorigenesis and drug targeting of colorectal cancers. Wild-type KIT (WT-KIT), a RTK that is activated upon binding with stem cell factor (SCF), is highly expressed in some colon cancers; however, little is known about the functional role of SCF-dependent KIT activation in colon cancer pathogenesis. We aimed to elucidate the conditions and roles of WT-KIT activation in colon cancer tumorigenesis.

Experimental Design: Colorectal cancers with KIT expression were characterized by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. The biologic alterations after KIT-SCF binding were analyzed with or without protein kinase C (PKC) activation.

Results: We found that WT-KIT was expressed in a subset of colon cancer cell lines and was activated by SCF, leading to activation of downstream AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways. We also showed that KIT expression gradually decreased, after prolonged SCF stimulation, due to lysosomal degradation. Degradation of WT-KIT after SCF binding was significantly rescued when PKC was activated. We also showed the involvement of activated PKC-δ in the recycling of WT-KIT. We further showed that a subset of colorectal cancers exhibit expressions of both WT-KIT and activated PKC-δ and that expression of KIT is correlated with poor patient survival (P = 0.004).

Conclusions: Continuous downstream signal activation after KIT-SCF binding is accomplished through PKC-δ–mediated recycling of KIT. This sustained KIT activation may contribute to tumor progression in a subset of colon cancers with KIT expression and might provide the rationale for a therapeutic approach targeting KIT. Clin Cancer Res; 19(18); 4961–71. ©2013 AACR.
Perioperative Influenza Vaccination Reduces Postoperative Metastatic Disease by Reversing Surgery-Induced Dysfunction in Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Tai Lee-Hwa , Zhang Jiqing , Scott Karen J. , de Souza Christiano Tanese , Alkayyal Almohanad A. , Ananth Anu Abhirami , Sahi Shalini , Adair Robert A. , Mahmoud Ahmad B. , Sad Subash , Bell John C. , Makrigiannis Andrew P. , Melcher Alan A. , Auer Rebecca C.
Published: July 2013

Purpose: Surgical removal of solid primary tumors is an essential component of cancer treatment. Surgery-induced dysfunction in natural killer (NK) cells has been linked to the development of metastases in animal models and patients with cancer. We investigated the activation of NK cells using influenza vaccine in the perioperative period to eradicate micrometastatic disease.

Experimental Design: Both the B16lacZ and 4T1 tumor models in immunocompetent mice were used to assess the in vivo efficacy of perioperative influenza vaccine administration. In healthy human donors and cancer surgery patients, we assessed NK cell function pre- and post-influenza vaccination using both in vivo and ex vivo assays.

Results: Using the TLR3 agonist poly(I:C), we showed as proof-of-principle that perioperative administration of a nonspecific innate immune stimulant can inhibit surgery-induced dysfunction in NK cells and attenuate metastases. Next, we assessed a panel of prophylactic vaccines for NK cell activation and determined that inactivated influenza vaccine was the best candidate for perioperative administration. Perioperative influenza vaccine significantly reduced tumor metastases and improved NK cytotoxicity in preclinical tumor models. Significantly, IFNα is the main cytokine mediator for the therapeutic effect of influenza vaccination. In human studies, influenza vaccine significantly enhanced NK cell activity in healthy human donors and cancer surgery patients.

Conclusion: These results provide the preclinical rationale to pursue future clinical trials of perioperative NK cell activation, using vaccination in cancer surgery patients. Research into perioperative immune therapy is warranted to prevent immune dysfunction following surgery and eradicate metastatic disease. Clin Cancer Res; 19(18); 5104–15. ©2013 AACR.
Phase III Trials of Targeted Anticancer Therapies: Redesigning the Concept
Authors: Ocana Alberto , Amir Eitan , Vera-Badillo Francisco , Seruga Bostjan , Tannock Ian F.
Published: July 2013

Randomized phase III trials provide the gold-standard evidence for the approval of new drugs: an experimental treatment is compared with the current standard of care to identify clinically relevant differences in a predefined endpoint. However, there are several problems relating to the current role of phase III trials in drug development including the limited clinical benefit observed for some approved agents, the necessity for large trials to detect these differences, the inability of such trials to identify rare but important toxicities, and high cost. The design of phase III trials evaluating drug combinations, and those including biomarkers, presents additional challenges. Here, we review these problems and suggest that phase III trials with adaptive designs in selected prescreened populations could reduce these limitations. Clin Cancer Res; 19(18); 4931–40. ©2013 AACR.
Reduced Occipital Fractional Anisotropy on Cerebral Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Preterm Infants with Postnatally Acquired Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Nijman Joppe , Gunkel Julia , de Vries Linda S. , van Kooij Britt J. , van Haastert Ingrid C. , Benders Manon J.N. , Kersbergen Karina J. , Verboon-Maciolek Malgorzata A. , Groenendaal Floris
Published: July 2013

Background: Detection of white matter (WM) abnormalities on MRI is important regarding the neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants. The long-term neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants with postnatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has not been studied extensively. Objectives: We aimed to assess WM microstructure in preterm infants with postnatal CMV infection using diffusion tensor imaging. Methods: Infants <32 weeks' gestational age (GA) admitted to our hospital between 2007 and 2010, who had cerebral diffusion tensor imaging at term-equivalent age (40 weeks' GA) were included. CMV PCR in urine collected at term-equivalent age was performed to diagnose postnatal CMV infection. Congenital infection was excluded. In the frontal, parietal and occipital WM mean diffusivity, fractional anisotropy (FA), radial and axial diffusivity were calculated. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed at 16 months' corrected age using Griffiths' Mental Developmental Scales. Results: Twenty-one postnatally infected and 61 noninfected infants were eligible. Both groups were comparable regarding GA, birth weight and age at MRI. There was a significant difference in median FA of the occipital WM between infected and noninfected infants (0.13 [IQR 0.11-0.16] versus 0.16 [IQR 0.14-0.18], p = 0.002). There were no differences in short-term neurodevelopmental outcome between infected and noninfected infants. Conclusions: A significantly reduced FA suggests microstructural changes in the occipital WM of postnatally infected infants. These microstructural changes do not appear to result in impaired neurodevelopmental outcome at 16 months' corrected age.
Atypical Pneumonia Linked to Community-Acquired Staphylococcus aureus Cross-Transmission in the Nursery
Authors: Filleron Anne , Lotthé Anne , Jourdes Emilie , Jeziorski Eric , Prodhomme Olivier , Didelot Marie-Noëlle , Parer Sylvie , Marchandin Hélène , Cambonie Gilles
Published: July 2013

We report the observation of a necrotizing pneumonia due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus harboring the Panton-Valentine leukocidin-encoding gene in a previously healthy neonate, with favorable clinical outcome in spite of extensive radiologic lesions. The case was linked to a cluster of 3 neonates colonized by Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing, methicillin-resistant S. aureus through cross-transmission in the nursery, underlining the need to comply with standard infection control precautions in the maternity ward.
Possible Predictors of Cardiorespiratory Events after Immunization in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Mialet-Marty Tiphaine , Beuchée Alain , Ben Jmaa Wissal , N'Guyen Nga , Navarro Xavier , Porée Fabienne , Nuyt Anne Monique , Pladys Patrick
Published: July 2013

Background: The influence of the first immunization on cardiorespiratory (CR) stability in very preterm infants is still a controversial subject. Objectives: To describe the changes induced by immunization on heart and respiratory rate variability (HRV-RRV) and to test a potential association between preimmunization profiles and postimmunization CR events. Methods: Continuous 72-hour CR recordings and 2.5-hour polysomnographic recordings were performed on very preterm infants immunized after 7 weeks. The results are expressed as medians (interquartile ranges). Results: Immunization was performed on 31 very preterm infants [28 weeks' gestation (26.9-29), birth weight: 965 g (795-1,105)], and was associated with an increased incidence (p < 0.01) of events lasting more than 10 s: bradycardia <80 bpm [2.2 (1.1-7) vs. 1.8 (1-4)/12 h], desaturation [17.6 (9.4-36.4) vs. 13.9 (7.7-33.8)/12 h] and associated bradycardia-desaturation [IB+D, 4.1 (1.4-7.3) vs. 2.4 (1-4.6)/12 h], with mild changes in HRV and no change in RRV. The changes in IB+D frequency were correlated with preimmunization IB+D frequency (r = 0.44, p < 0.05), HRV spectral parameter low frequency/high frequency ratio (LF/HF, r = 0.55, p < 0.01) and approximate entropy of HRV (r = -0.39, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The increase in CR events after the first immunization in very preterm infants was associated with: (1) sympathetic predominance in heart rate control (high LF/HF ratio), (2) abnormal oversimplification of HRV (low entropy) and (3) persistent respiratory rhythm control immaturity (high IB+D before vaccine).
Application of Glucosylceramide-Based Liposomes Increased the Ceramide Content in a Three-Dimensional Cultured Skin Epidermis
Authors: Tokudome Y. , Endo M. , Hashimoto F.
Published: July 2013

Ceramide is an intercellular lipid of the stratum corneum and is one of the most important components of the epidermal permeability barrier. Glucosylceramide (GlcCer), a ceramide precursor, was applied to three-dimensional skin culture to regulate ceramide. GlcCer/dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) = 4/4 (molar ratio and GlcCer/DMPC/dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) = 4/4/1(molar ratio) liposomes were prepared by the thin-layer method. The particle diameters of GlcCer/DMPC and GlcCer/DMPC/DMPG liposomes were 124.0 ± 0.6 and 119.3 ± 18.9 nm, and the zeta potentials were 1.3 ± 0.3 and -19.9 ± 0.3 mV, respectively. Stability of these GlcCer liposomes was measured by transmission light scattering. Transmission light scattering of neutrally charged GlcCer (GlcCer/DMPC) liposomes increased in a time dependent manner. In contrast, negatively charged GlcCer (GlcCer/DMPC/DMPG) liposomes were not changed. β-Glucocerebrosidase activity was measured in a cultured human skin model. Results confirmed that the cultured human skin model has β-glucocerebrosidase activity. GlcCer/DMPC/DMPG liposomes were applied to the three-dimensional cultured human skin model, and ceramide NS, NP, AS, and AP were extracted from it. The various extracted ceramides were separated by high-performance thin-layer chromatography and quantified by a densitometer. The amount of ceramide AS only in the cultured skin model was significantly higher with the application of GlcCer-based liposomes than that of the nonapplication group, and was also dose dependent. Thus, GlcCer-based liposomes are useful for enriching the ceramide AS levels in a three-dimensional cultured skin model.
The Role of Hemocytes in Anopheles gambiae Antiplasmodial Immunity
Authors: Ramirez Jose Luis , Garver Lindsey S. , Brayner Fábio André , Alves Luiz Carlos , Rodrigues Janneth , Molina-Cruz Alvaro , Barillas-Mury Carolina
Published: July 2013

Hemocytes synthesize key components of the mosquito complement-like system, but their role in the activation of antiplasmodial responses has not been established. The effect of activating Toll signaling in hemocytes on Plasmodium survival was investigated by transferring hemocytes or cell-free hemolymph from donor mosquitoes in which the suppressor cactus was silenced. These transfers greatly enhanced antiplasmodial immunity, indicating that hemocytes are active players in the activation of the complement-like system, through an effector/effectors regulated by the Toll pathway. A comparative analysis of hemocyte populations between susceptible G3 and the refractory L3-5 Anopheles gambiae mosquito strains did not reveal significant differences under basal conditions or in response to Plasmodium berghei infection. The response of susceptible mosquitoes to different Plasmodium species revealed similar kinetics following infection with P. berghei,P. yoelii or P. falciparum, but the strength of the priming response was stronger in less compatible mosquito-parasite pairs. The Toll, Imd,STAT or JNK signaling cascades were not essential for the production of the hemocyte differentiation factor (HDF) in response to P. berghei infection, but disruption of Toll, STAT or JNK abolished hemocyte differentiation in response to HDF. We conclude that hemocytes are key mediators of A. gambiae antiplasmodial responses.
Eccrine Hidrocystoma Arising at the Tarsal Plate during Childhood
Authors: Hirata Akira
Published: July 2013

A 2-year-old boy with an upper-eyelid tumor in his right eye underwent complete resection. Pathological examination showed that the tumor was composed of a thin wall, lined by a single cuboidal epithelium, and contained a transparent liquid. The epithelium of the tumor wall did not display decapitation and the tumor was diagnosed as eccrine hidrocystoma. After resection, obvious improvement of the tumor-caused blepharoptosis was observed and the visual acuity of the patient recovered.
Prognostic Value of Access and Non–Access Sites Bleeding After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Ndrepepa Gjin , Neumann Franz-Josef , Richardt Gert , Schulz Stefanie , Tölg Ralph , Stoyanov Kiril M. , Gick Michael , Ibrahim Tareq , Fiedler Katrin Anette , Berger Peter B. , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Kastrati Adnan
Published: July 2013

Background—

Little is known about the impact of bleeding site on mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of access and non–access site bleeding within 30 days after percutaneous coronary intervention on mortality.

Methods and Results—

This study represents a pooled patient-level analysis of 14 180 patients recruited in 7 randomized trials. Access and non–access site bleeding were assessed using the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality. Follow-up was complete in 97.5% of the patients. There were 414 deaths within the first year after percutaneous coronary intervention: 44 deaths among patients with access site bleeding, 60 deaths among patients with non–access site bleeding, and 310 deaths among patients without bleeding (Kaplan–Meier estimates of mortality, 4.5%, 10.0%, and 2.5%, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.72 [95% confidence interval, 1.19–2.47] for access site bleeding versus no bleeding; hazard ratio, 2.78 [2.00–3.86] for non–access site versus no bleeding). The inclusion of non–access site bleeding (the absolute and relative integrated discrimination improvement, 0.005 and 8.9%;
P
=0.031) but not of access site bleeding (the absolute and relative integrated discrimination improvement, 0.0015 and 2.7%;
P
=0.084) was associated with an improvement of the discriminatory power of multivariable model for mortality prediction.

Conclusions—

Both access and non–access site bleeding events occurring within 30 days of a percutaneous coronary intervention are independently associated with an increased risk of 1-year mortality. Non–access site bleeding is a stronger correlate of mortality than access site bleeding, and it improves the discriminatory power of models for mortality prediction.
Influence of Diabetes Mellitus on Inappropriate and Appropriate Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Therapy and Mortality in the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial–Reduce Inappropriate Therapy (MADIT-RIT) Trial
Authors: Ruwald Martin H. , Zareba Wojciech , Jons Christian , Zhang Claire , Ruwald Anne-Christine H. , Olshansky Brian , McNitt Scott , Bloch Thomsen Poul Erik , Shoda Morio , Merkely Bela , Moss Arthur J. , Kutyifa Valentina
Published: July 2013

Background—

The relationship between diabetes mellitus and risk of inappropriate or appropriate therapy in patients receiving an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and resynchronization therapy has not been investigated thoroughly. The effect of innovative ICD programming on therapy delivery in these patients is unknown.

Methods and Results—

The Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial–Reduce Inappropriate Therapy (MADIT-RIT) randomized patients with a primary prophylactic ICD indication to 3 different types of ICD programming: conventional programming with a ventricular tachycardia zone of 170 to 199 bpm (arm A), high-rate cutoff with a ventricular tachycardia zone ≥200 bpm (arm B), or 60-second-delayed therapy (arm C). The end points of inappropriate therapy, appropriate therapy, and death were assessed among 485 patients with and 998 without diabetes mellitus. Innovative ICD programming reduced the risk of inappropriate therapy regardless of diabetes mellitus, although a trend toward a more pronounced effect of high-rate cutoff programming was seen in patients without diabetes mellitus (
P
for interaction=0.06). Diabetes mellitus was associated with a decreased risk of inappropriate therapy (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.36–0.80;
P
=0.002) and increased risk of appropriate therapy (hazard ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–2.14;
P
=0.003). In diabetic patients, there was significantly increased risk of death in those who had inappropriate therapy (hazard ratio, 4.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.52–11.40;
P
=0.005) and appropriate therapy (hazard ratio, 2.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–5.87;
P
=0.037) compared with those who did not.

Conclusions—

Innovative high-rate cutoff or delayed ICD programming was associated with a reduction in inappropriate therapy in patients with and without diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus was associated with lower risk of inappropriate therapy but higher risk of appropriate therapy. Appropriate and inappropriate ICD therapy was associated with increased mortality in diabetic patients.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00947310.
Extended-Release Niacin Therapy and Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Teo Koon K. , Goldstein Larry B. , Chaitman Bernard R. , Grant Shannon , Weintraub William S. , Anderson David C. , Sila Cathy A. , Cruz-Flores Salvador , Padley Robert J. , Kostuk William J. , Boden William E.
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

In Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome with low HDL/High Triglycerides: Impact on Global Health Outcomes (AIM-HIGH) trial, addition of extended-release niacin (ERN) to simvastatin in participants with established cardiovascular disease, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high triglycerides had no incremental benefit, despite increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Preliminary analysis based on incomplete end point adjudication suggested increased ischemic stroke risk among participants randomized to ERN.

Methods—

This final analysis was conducted after complete AIM-HIGH event ascertainment to further explore potential relationship between niacin therapy and ischemic stroke risk.

Results—

There was no group difference in trial primary composite end point at a mean 36-month follow-up among 3414 patients (85% men; mean age, 64±9 years) randomized to simvastatin plus ERN (1500–2000 mg/d) versus simvastatin plus matching placebo. In the intention-to-treat analysis, there were 50 fatal or nonfatal ischemic strokes: 18 (1.06%) in placebo arm versus 32 (1.86%) in ERN arm (hazard ratio [HR], 1.78 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.00–3.17;
P
=0.050). Multivariate analysis showed independent associations between ischemic stroke risk and >65 years of age (HR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.82–7.05;
P
=0.0002), history of stroke/transient ischemic attack/carotid disease (HR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.23–3.88;
P
=0.0079), elevated baseline Lp(a) (HR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.25–6.27 comparing the middle with the lowest tertile; HR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.002–5.30 comparing the highest with the lowest tertile; overall
P
=0.042) but a nonsignificant association with ERN (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 0.97–3.11;
P
=0.063).

Conclusions—

Although there were numerically more ischemic strokes with addition of ERN to simvastatin that reached nominal significance, the number was small, and multivariable analysis accounting for known risk factors did not support a significant association between niacin and ischemic stroke risk.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00120289.
Age-Related Decline in Oligodendrogenesis Retards White Matter Repair in Mice
Authors: Miyamoto Nobukazu , Pham Loc-Duyen D. , Hayakawa Kazuhide , Matsuzaki Toshinori , Seo Ji Hae , Magnain Caroline , Ayata Cenk , Kim Kyu-Won , Boas David , Lo Eng H. , Arai Ken
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—

Aging is one of the major risk factors for white matter injury in cerebrovascular disease. However, the effects of age on the mechanisms of injury/repair in white matter remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we ask whether, compared with young brains, white matter regions in older brains may be more vulnerable in part because of decreased rates of compensatory oligodendrogenesis after injury.

Methods—

A mouse model of prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion was prepared by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis in 2-month and 8-month-old mice. Matching in vitro studies were performed by subjecting oligodendrocyte precursor cells to sublethal 7-day CoCl
2
treatment to induce chemical hypoxic stress.

Results—

Baseline myelin density in the corpus callosum was similar in 2-month and 8-month-old mice. But after induction of prolonged cerebral hypoperfusion, older mice showed more severe white matter injury together with worse deficits in working memory. The numbers of newborn oligodendrocytes and their precursors were increased by cerebral hypoperfusion in young mice, whereas these endogenous responses were significantly dampened in older mice. Defects in cyclic AMP response element-binding protein signaling may be involved because activating cyclic AMP response element-binding protein with the type-III phosphodiesterase inhibitor cilostazol in older mice restored the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, alleviated myelin loss, and improved cognitive dysfunction during cerebral hypoperfusion. Cell culture systems confirmed that cilostazol promoted the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells.

Conclusions—

An age-related decline in cyclic AMP response element-binding protein–mediated oligodendrogenesis may compromise endogenous white matter repair mechanisms, and therefore, drugs that activate cyclic AMP response element-binding protein signaling provide a potential therapeutic approach for treating white matter injury in aging brains.
Review of the Grass Feeding Leafhopper Genus Balclutha Kirkaldy (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) in China
Authors: LU LIN , ZHANG YALIN , WEBB M. D.
Published: July 2013

The present paper treats 27 species and one species complex of the leafhopper genus Balclutha Kirkaldy from China, in-cluding descriptions of four new species, Balclutha bidentifurcata, B. parapunctata, B. paralucida and B. tricornis spp. nov., and gives six new records for China. One new synonymy, B. fuscomaculatus Dai, Li & Chen, 2004, as a junior syn-onym of B. saltuella (Kirschbaum, 1868), is proposed. A key to males of Chinese Balclutha species, together with a check-list and figures for the species is provided.
Higher classification of New World parrots (Psittaciformes; Arinae), with diagnoses of tribes
Authors: SCHODDE RICHARD , REMSEN J. JR. V. , SCHIRTZINGER ERIN E. , JOSEPH LEO , WRIGHT TIMOTHY F.
Published: July 2013

We offer here a diagnosed higher-level classification of New World parrots to reflect relationships inferred from a consensus of recent DNA-based phylogenies and morphological and behavioral studies. General understanding of the position of New World parrots among the Psittaciformes through the later 20th century stems from Smith’s (1975) exhaustive review of structural morphology and behavior, which supplanted previous hypotheses (e.g. Verheyen 1956; Boetticher 1959; Brereton 1963; Wolters 1975). In his study, which covered over 54 genera, including 20 of the roughly 31 from the New World (Collar 1997; Dickinson 2003), Smith (1975) concluded that the New World parrots were monophyletic. Moreover, he considered the New World parrots sufficiently divergent from other parrots to be accorded subfamily rank because they share several unique morphological and behavioral characters, including imperforate neonatal ear canals, double-sided “dyck texture” (Dyck 1971) pigmentation of remiges, lack of cutaneous pigmentation, and one-legged copulatory stance.
Cancer (Mantis) digitalis Herbst, 1793, an objective synonym of Oratosquillina quinquedentata (Brooks, 1886): neotype designation and reversal of precedence (Crustacea: Stomatopoda: Squillidae)
Authors: AHYONG SHANE T. , LOW MARTYN E.Y.
Published: July 2013

Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Herbst (1793) proposed two species-group names for stomatopod crustaceans from the East Indies (= Indonesia): Cancer (Mantis) arenarius (pp. 96–98, pl. 33, fig. 2) and Cancer (Mantis) digitalis (pp. 92–96, pl. 33, fig. 1) (Fig. 1A). Cancer (Mantis) arenarius Herbst, 1793, is a preoccupied objective synonym of what is now known as Lysiosquillina maculata (Fabricius, 1793) (see Low & Ng 2012: 47, 48).
New genus and two new species of the family Ethmolaimidae (Nematoda: Chromadorida), found in two different cold-seep environments
Authors: NARA BEZERRA TANIA , ELLEN PAPE , FREIJA HAUQUIER , ANN VANREUSEL , JEROEN INGELS
Published: July 2013

This study describes a new genus Dystomanema gen. nov. with two new species, D. cadizensis sp. nov. and D. brandtae sp. nov. within the family Ethmolaimidae, subfamily Neotonchinae, based on specimens from two low-activity cold-seep environments at distant geographical locations. The new genus was first identified in samples from the Darwin mud volcano (1100m depth) in the Gulf of Cádiz and later on also found in samples from a low-activity seep in the Larsen B embayment (820m depth) off the eastern Antarctic Peninsula. Until now, the family Ethmolaimidae contained nine genera: Ethmolaimus and Paraethmolaimus in the subfamily Ethmolaiminae, and Comesa, Filitonchoides, Filitonchus, Gomphionchus, Gomphionema, Nannolaimus, and Neothonchus in the subfamily Neotonchinae. The most important family characteristics are: an annulated cuticle bearing transverse rows of dots, cephalic sensilla arrangement of 6+6+4, a spiral amphid, an oesophagus with muscular posterior bulb, paired gonads and males with cup-shaped precloacal supplements. The new genus resembles Comesa and Neotonchus, but is typified by a ventrally displaced oral opening with three very small teeth that are easily overlooked. D. cadizensis gen. nov. sp. nov. is characterized by the 1401-2123µm long body; cuticle transversally striated with fine punctation; head conical; low lips; amphid spiralled 3 turns, oral opening ventrally displaced, male with outstretched testes; spicules of equal size; gubernaculum plate-like and ten to twelve conspicuous cup-shaped precloacal supplements with external longitudinal articulated flange. D. brandtae gen. nov. sp. nov. can be distinguished by the 2438-3280µm long body; cuticle transversally striated with fine punctuation; head conical; low lips; amphid spiraled 3+ turns; oral opening ventrally displaced; male with anterior testes outstretched and posterior one smaller and reflexed; spicules of equal size; gubernaculum plate-like and twenty conspicuous cup-shaped precloacal supplements with external longitudinal articulated flange. Notes on the ecology and habitat of the new genus are provided in light of its discovery in cold-seep environments.