bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traumatic andropause after combat injury
Authors: Jones Gareth Huw , Kirkman-Brown Jackson , Sharma Davendra Murray , Bowley Douglas
Published: August 2015

In association with lower extremity amputation, complex genitourinary injuries have emerged as a specific challenge in modern military trauma surgery. Testicular injury or loss has profound implications for the recovering serviceman, in terms of hormone production and future fertility. The initial focus of treatment for patients with traumatic testicular loss is haemostasis, resuscitation and management of concurrent life-threatening injuries. Multiple reoperations are commonly required to control infection in combat wounds; in a review of 300 major lower extremity amputations, 53% of limbs required revisional surgery, with infection the commonest indication. Atypical infections, such as invasive fungal organisms, can also complicate military wounding. We report the case of a severely wounded serviceman with complete traumatic andropause, whose symptomatic temperature swings were initially mistaken for signs of occult sepsis.
Calcific uraemic arteriolopathy
Authors: Disbrow Molly B , Qaqish Ibrahim , Kransdorf Mark , Chakkera Harini A
Published: August 2015

A 37-year-old African-American woman with end-stage renal disease presumed to be secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2, on daily peritoneal dialysis, was admitted for a painful left lower extremity lesion. Examination revealed a large, dusky, tender region over the left lateral thigh. She was on warfarin for mechanical heart valves. Despite discontinuation of warfarin and placement on heparin, the lesion progressed to extend to the medial left thigh and medial and lateral right thigh. CT scan demonstrated arteriolar medial calcification and vascular calcification of the small subcutaneous vessels, without evidence of abscess or haematoma. The patient declined punch biopsy. Given the known risk factors of high calcium-phosphate and radiological findings, a diagnosis of calcific uraemic arteriolopathy was made. Phosphate-binder therapy was optimised. She was transitioned to daily haemodialysis, and sodium thiosulfate was initiated. Skin lesions demonstrated improvement at her 5 weeks posthospitalisation follow-up.
Functional movement disorder: a long journey to diagnosis
Authors: Bharadwaj Sneha , Lee Melissa , Moffat Andrew Campbell
Published: August 2015

A 61-year-old man presented to a country clinic with involuntary orofacial movements and progressive cognitive decline, causing significant disability and psychosocial distress. Review of records uncovered a 7-year history of presentations to several specialties, including memory clinics, neurology, internal medicine and emergency departments, with varied symptoms, extensive complex work up and inconclusive diagnosis. Comprehensive review at our hospital highlighted inconsistent neurological signs, fluctuating cognition and psychosocial stressors, which preceded symptom onset, leading to the diagnosis of a functional movement disorder (FMD), which subsequently improved with relaxation therapy, cognitive–behavioural therapy and physiotherapy. We illustrate a variety of somatic symptoms, diagnostic clues and management outcomes for FMDs, and the importance of diagnostic criteria to minimise costly, time-consuming and ultimately unnecessary tests of exclusion.
Polyomavirus nephropathy of the native kidney in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Krystel-Whittemore Melissa , McCarthy Ellen T , Damjanov Ivan , Fields Timothy A
Published: August 2015

Polyomavirus nephropathy is commonly seen in the renal allograft setting but is uncommon in native kidneys. This paper describes polyomavirus nephropathy that developed in the native kidneys of a patient following immunosuppressive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis/Sjögren's syndrome associated lung disease. The patient presented with dyspnoea and a slow steady rise in serum creatinine. Owing to chronic immunosuppression, calcineurin-inhibitor toxicity was suspected. However, renal biopsy revealed polyomavirus nephropathy. The treatment of choice, lowered immunosuppression, was complicated by exacerbation of the patient's lung disease. This case highlights features of polyomavirus nephropathy in the native kidney, as well as the difficulty in its treatment when immunosuppressive treatment is necessary for medical comorbidities.
Retinal artery vasculitis secondary to administration of influenza vaccine
Authors: Williams Gwyn Samuel , Evans Sam , Yeo Damien , Al-bermani Ayad
Published: August 2015

There are many differential diagnoses in investigating patients who present with retinal vasculitis, and the laboratory investigations used to investigate this have low-to-moderate sensitivity and/or specificity. Diagnoses include conditions such as tuberculosis or sarcoidosis, which may require long courses of antibiotics or immunosuppression. Influenza vaccination has been recognised as a cause of vasculitis for decades, although a purely ocular presentation is rare. We present a case of a 78-year-old Caucasian woman presenting with a single vessel arterial vasculitis of the right eye 8 weeks following influenza vaccination at her local general practitioner practice. We encourage ophthalmologists, rheumatologists and uveitis specialists to consider influenza vaccine as a cause of ocular vasculitis if the vaccine has been recently administered.
Examining the role of Scotland's telephone advice service (NHS 24) for managing health in the community: analysis of routinely collected NHS 24 data
Authors: Elliott Alison M , McAteer Anne , Heaney David , Ritchie Lewis D , Hannaford Philip C
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To examine the type, duration and outcome of the symptoms and health problems Scotland's nurse-led telephone advice service (NHS 24) is contacted about and explore whether these vary by time of contact and patient characteristics.

Design

Analysis of routinely collected NHS 24 data.

Setting

Scotland, UK.

Participants

Users of NHS 24 during 2011.

Main outcome measures

Proportion of the type, duration and outcome of the symptoms and health problems NHS 24 is contacted about.

Results

82.6% of the calls were made out-of-hours and 17.4% in-hours. Abdominal problems accounted for the largest proportion of calls (12.2%) followed by dental (6.8%) and rash/skin problems (6.0%). There were differences in the type of problems presented in-hours and out-of-hours. Most problems (62.9%) had lasted <24 h before people contacted NHS 24. Out-of-hours calls tended to be for problems of shorter duration. Problems reported out-of-hours most commonly resulted in advice to visit an out-of-hours centre and in-hours advice to contact a general practitioner. Most of the service users were female and from more affluent areas. Use of the service declined with age in those over 35 years. The characteristics of users varied according to when NHS 24 was contacted. The number of calls made by an individual in the year ranged from 1 to 866, although most users (69.2%) made only one call. The type of problem presented varied by age and deprivation, but was broadly similar by gender, rural/urban status and geographic area. Call outcomes also varied by user characteristics.

Conclusions

This is the first study to examine how the public uses NHS 24. It has identified the patterns of problems which the service must be equipped to deal with. It has also provided important information about who uses the service and when. This information will help future planning and development of the service.
Patient and organisational variables associated with pressure ulcer prevalence in hospital settings: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Bredesen Ida Marie , Bjøro Karen , Gunningberg Lena , Hofoss Dag
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To investigate the association of ward-level differences in the odds of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) with selected ward organisational variables and patient risk factors.

Design

Multilevel approach to data from 2 cross-sectional studies.

Settings

4 hospitals in Norway were studied.

Participants

1056 patients at 84 somatic wards.

Primary outcome measure

HAPU.

Results

Significant variance in the odds of HAPUs was found across wards. A regression model using only organisational variables left a significant variance in the odds of HAPUs across wards but patient variables eliminated the across-ward variance. In the model including organisational and patient variables, significant ward-level HAPU variables were ward type (rehabilitation vs surgery/internal medicine: OR 0.17 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.66)), use of preventive measures (yes vs no: OR 2.02 (95% CI 1.12 to 3.64)) and ward patient safety culture (OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.99)). Significant patient-level predictors were age >70 vs <70 (OR 2.70 (95% CI 1.54 to 4.74)), Braden scale total score (OR 0.73 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.80)) and overweight (body mass index 25–29.99 kg/m2) (OR 0.32 (95% CI 0.17 to 0.62)).

Conclusions

The fact that the odds of HAPU varied across wards, and that across-ward variance was reduced when the selected ward-level variables entered the explanatory model, indicates that the HAPU problem may be reduced by ward-level organisation of care improvements, that is, by improving the patient safety culture and implementation of preventive measures. Some wards may prevent pressure ulcers better than other wards. The fact that ward-level variation was eliminated when patient-level HAPU variables were included in the model indicates that even wards with the best HAPU prevention will be challenged by an influx of high-risk patients.
E-cigarette use in Canada: prevalence and patterns of use in a regulated market
Authors: Shiplo Samantha , Czoli Christine D , Hammond David
Published: August 2015

Objective

Canada is among the few countries in which e-cigarettes containing nicotine are prohibited. To date, there is little evidence on the prevalence and patterns of use of e-cigarettes in markets with product bans. The current study examines e-cigarette use among a sample of non-smokers and smokers in Canada.

Design

Online cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Conducted in October 2013 using a commercial panel of Canadians from Global Market Insite, Inc (GMI).

Participants

In total, 1095 Canadians were included in the analysis: 311 non-smokers aged 16–24 years (younger non-smokers), 323 smokers aged 16–24 years (younger smokers) and 461 smokers 25 years and older (older smokers).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

E-cigarette ever and current use, types of products used, and reasons for use.

Results

Approximately 79% of younger non-smokers, 82% of younger smokers and 81% of older smokers were aware of e-cigarettes. Ever trial of e-cigarettes was reported by 10% of younger non-smokers, 42% of younger smokers and 27% of older smokers. Moreover, current use of an e-cigarette, which was defined as use in the last 30 days, was reported by 0.3% of younger non-smokers, 18% of younger smokers and 10% of older smokers. Among those who had ever tried an e-cigarette, approximately 10% of younger non-smokers, 46% of younger smokers and 43% of older smokers reported trying an e-cigarette that contained nicotine. The most popular e-cigarette flavours were fruit followed by menthol, and the most common reason for using e-cigarettes was to help them quit smoking.

Conclusions

In the context of previous research, it appears that the prevalence of e-cigarette trial has increased in Canada. Although a considerable proportion of non-smokers have tried e-cigarettes, current use is almost entirely concentrated among smokers. Further research should be conducted to monitor e-cigarette use by Canadians.
A structured exercise programme during haemodialysis for patients with chronic kidney disease: clinical benefit and long-term adherence
Authors: Anding Kirsten , Bär Thomas , Trojniak-Hennig Joanna , Kuchinke Simone , Krause Rolfdieter , Rost Jan M , Halle Martin
Published: August 2015

Objective

Long-term studies regarding the effect of a structured physical exercise programme (SPEP) during haemodialysis (HD) assessing compliance and clinical benefit are scarce.

Study design

A single-centre clinical trial, non-randomised, investigating 46 patients with HD (63.2±16.3 years, male/female 24/22, dialysis vintage 4.4 years) performing an SPEP over 5 years. The SPEP (twice/week for 60 min during haemodialysis) consisted of a combined resistance (8 muscle groups) and endurance (supine bicycle ergometry) training. Exercise intensity was continuously adjusted to improvements of performance testing. Changes in endurance and resistance capacity, physical functioning and quality of life (QoL) were analysed over 1 year in addition to long-term adherence and economics of the programme over 5 years. Average power per training session, maximal strength tests (maximal exercise repetitions/min), three performance-based tests for physical function, SF36 for QoL were assessed in the beginning and every 6 months thereafter.

Results

78% of the patients completed the programme after 1 year and 43% after 5 years. Participants were divided—according to adherence to the programme—into three groups: (1) high adherence group (HA, >80% of 104 training sessions within 12 months), (2) moderate adherence (MA, 60–80%), and 3. Low adherence group (LA, <60%)) with HA and MA evaluated quantitatively. One-year follow-up data revealed significant (p<0.05) improvement for both groups in all measured parameters: exercise capacity (HA: 55%, MA: 45%), strength (HA: >120%, MA: 40–50%), QoL in three scores of SF36 subscales and physical function in the three tests taken between 11% and 31%. Moreover, a quantitative correlation analysis revealed a close association (r=0.8) between large improvement of endurance capacity and weak physical condition (HA).

Conclusions

The exercise programme described improves physical function significantly and can be integrated into a HD routine with a high long-term adherence.
First-borns have greater BMI and are more likely to be overweight or obese: a study of sibling pairs among 26 812 Swedish women
Authors: Derraik José G B , Ahlsson Fredrik , Lundgren Maria , Jonsson Björn , Cutfield Wayne S
Published: August 2015

Background

A number of large studies have shown phenotypic differences between first-borns and later-borns among adult men. In this study, we aimed to assess whether birth order was associated with height and BMI in a large cohort of Swedish women.

Methods

Information was obtained from antenatal clinic records from the Swedish National Birth Register over 20 years (1991–2009). Maternal anthropometric data early in pregnancy (at approximately 10–12 weeks of gestation) were analysed on 13 406 pairs of sisters who were either first-born or second-born (n=26 812).

Results

Early in pregnancy, first-born women were of BMI that was 0.57 kg/m2(2.4%) greater than their second-born sisters (p<0.0001). In addition, first-borns had greater odds of being overweight (OR 1.29; p<0.0001) or obese (OR 1.40; p<0.0001) than second-borns. First-borns were also negligibly taller (+1.2 mm) than their second-born sisters. Of note, there was a considerable increase in BMI over the 18-year period covered by this study, with an increment of 0.11 kg/m2per year (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Our study corroborates other large studies on men, and the steady reduction in family size may contribute to the observed increase in adult BMI worldwide.
Gender differences in health-related quality of life in patients undergoing coronary angiography
Authors: Gijsberts Crystel M , Agostoni Pierfrancesco , Hoefer Imo E , Asselbergs Folkert W , Pasterkamp Gerard , Nathoe Hendrik , Appelman Yolande E , de Kleijn Dominique P V , den Ruijter Hester M
Published: August 2015

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) reflects the general well-being of individuals. In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), HRQOL is compromised. Female patients with CAD have been reported to have lower HRQOL. In this study, we investigate gender differences in HRQOL and in associations of patient characteristics with HRQOL in patients with coronary angiography (CAG).

Methods

We cross-sectionally analysed patients from the Utrecht Coronary Biobank undergoing CAG. All patients filled in an HRQOL questionnaire (RAND-36 and EuroQoL) on inclusion. RAND-36 and EuroQoL HRQOL measures were compared between the genders across indications for CAG, CAD severity and treatment of CAD. RAND-36 HRQOL measures were compared with the general Dutch population. Additionally, we assessed interactions of gender with patient characteristics in their association with HRQOL (EuroQoL).

Results

We included 1421 patients (1020 men and 401 women) with a mean age of 65 in our analysis. Women reported lower HRQOL measures than men (mean EuroQoL self-rated health grade 6.84±1.49 in men, 6.46±1.40 in women, p<0.001). The reduction in RAND-36 HRQOL as compared with the general Dutch population was larger in women than in men. From regression analysis, we found that diabetes, a history of cardiovascular disease and symptoms of shortness of breath determined HRQOL (EuroQoL) more strongly in men than in women.

Conclusions

Women reported lower HRQOL than men throughout all indications for CAG and regardless of CAD severity or treatment. As compared with the general population, the reduction in HRQOL was more extreme in women than in men. Evident gender differences were found in determinants of HRQOL in patients undergoing CAG, which deserve attention in future research.

Trial registration

NCT02304744 (clinicaltrials.gov).
Cost and availability of gluten-free food in the UK: in store and online
Authors: Burden Mitchell , Mooney Peter D , Blanshard Rebecca J , White William L , Cambray-Deakin David R , Sanders David S
Published: August 2015

Objective

Coeliac disease (CD) is a lifelong condition requiring strict adherence to a gluten-free (GF) diet and good availability of GF foods is critical to this. Patients with CD from lower socioeconomic groups are recognised to have higher treatment burden and higher food costs may impact this. Therefore, we aimed to assess the availability and cost of GF food in supermarkets and via the internet.

Design

Supermarkets and internet shops delivering to homes in a single city (UK) were analysed between February and March 2014. Stores were identified with comprehensive internet searches. Ten commonly purchased items were analysed for cost and compared with standard non-GF alternatives. Direct measurement of the number of GF foods available was compared between stores which were categorised according to previously published work.

Setting

Supermarkets covering the whole of Sheffield, UK.

Results

None of the budget supermarkets surveyed stocked any GF foods. Quality and regular supermarkets stocked the greatest range, each stocking a median of 22 (IQR 39) items (p<0.0001). All GF foods were at least four times more expensive than non-GF alternatives (p<0.0001). GF products are prevalent online, but 5/10 of the surveyed products were significantly more expensive than equivalents in supermarkets.

Conclusions

There is good availability of GF food in regular and quality supermarkets as well as online, but it remains significantly more expensive. Budget supermarkets which tend to be frequented by patients from lower socioeconomic classes stocked no GF foods. This poor availability and added cost is likely to impact on adherence in deprived groups.
Adenosine plasma level correlates with homocysteine and uric acid concentrations in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Fromonot J. , Deharo P. , Bruzzese L. , Cuisset T. , Quilici J. , Bonatti S. , Fenouillet E. , Mottola G. , Ruf J. , Guieu R.
Published: August 2015

The role of hyperhomocysteinemia in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients remains unclear. The present study evaluated the relationship between homocysteine (HCys), adenosine plasma concentration (APC), plasma uric acid, and CAD severity evaluated using the SYNTAX score. We also evaluated in vitro the influence of adenosine on HCys production by hepatoma cultured cells (HuH7). Seventy-eight patients (mean age ± SD: 66.3 ± 11.3; mean SYNTAX score: 19.9 ± 12.3) and 30 healthy subjects (mean age: 61 ± 13) were included. We incubated HuH7 cells with increasing concentrations of adenosine and addressed the effect on HCys level in cell culture supernatant. Patients vs. controls had higher APC (0.82 ± 0.5 μmol/L vs 0.53 ± 0.14 μmol/L; p < 0.01), HCys (15 ± 7.6 μmol/L vs 6.8 ± 3 μmol/L, p < 0.0001), and uric acid (242.6 ± 97 vs 202 ± 59, p < 0.05) levels. APC was correlated with HCys and uric acid concentrations in patients (Pearson‘s R = 0.65 and 0.52; p < 0.0001, respectively). The SYNTAX score was correlated with HCys concentration. Adenosine induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in HCys in cell culture. Our data suggest that high APC is associated with HCys and uric acid concentrations in CAD patients. Whether the increased APC participates in atherosclerosis or, conversely, is part of a protective regulation process needs further investigations.
Melatonin synergistically enhances protective effect of atorvastatin against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat kidney
Authors: Mehrzadi Saeed , Kamrava Seyed Kamran , Dormanesh Banafshe , Motevalian Manijeh , Hosseinzadeh Azam , Hosseini Tabatabaei Seyed Mohammad Taghi , Ghaznavi Habib
Published: August 2015

The risk of serious side-effects such as nephrotoxicity is the principal limitation of gentamicin (GEN) therapeutic efficacy. Oxidative stress is considered to be an important mediator of GEN-induced nephrotoxicity. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of melatonin (MT) plus atorvastatin (ATO) against GEN-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. We utilized 30 male Wistar albino rats allocated in 5 groups, each containing 6 rats: control, GEN (100 mg/kg/day), ATO (10 mg/kg/day) + GEN, MT (20 mg/kg/day) + GEN, and ATO (10 mg/kg/day) plus MT (20 mg/kg/day) + GEN. Kidney weight, serum creatinine and urea concentration, renal ROS, MDA, GSH levels, SOD, and CAT activity were determined. GEN-induced nephrotoxicity was evidenced by marked elevations in serum urea and creatinine, kidney weight, renal ROS, and MDA levels and reduction in renal GSH level, SOD and CAT activity. MT pretreatment significantly lowered the elevated serum creatinine concentration, kidney weight, renal ROS and MDA levels. However ATO could not reduce these parameters, but similarly to MT, it was able to enhance the renal GSH level, CAT and SOD activity. In addition, a combination therapy of MT plus ATO enhanced the beneficial effects of ATO, while not changing the effects of MT effects or even improving them. The present study indicates that a combination therapy of MT plus ATO can attenuate renal injury in rats treated with GEN, possibly by reducing oxidative stress, and it seems that MT can enhance the beneficial effects of ATO.
Deep inelastic scattering with the SPS muon beam
Authors: Mallot Gerhard K. , Voss Rüdiger
Published: August 2015

We review results from deep inelastic muon scattering experiments at the SPS which started in 1978, and are still actively pursued today. Key results include the precision measurement of scaling violations and of the strong coupling constant, spin-dependent structure functions, and studies of the internal spin structure of protons and neutrons. These experiments have revealed a wealth of details about the internal structure of nucleons in terms of quarks and gluons.
Fast physical and pseudo random number generation based on a nonlinear optoelectronic oscillator
Authors: Mu Penghua , Pan Wei , Xiang Shuiying , Li Nianqiang , Liu Xinkai , Zou Xihua
Published: August 2015

High speed random number generation (RNG) utilizing a nonlinear optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is explored experimentally. It has been found that by simply adjusting either the injected optical power or the gain of the modulator driver, low complexity dynamics such as square wave, and more complex dynamics including fully developed chaos can be experimentally achieved. More importantly, physical RNG based on high-speed-oscilloscope measurements and pseudo RNG based on post-processing are implemented in this paper. The generated bit sequences pass all the standard statistical random tests, indicating that fast physical and pseudo RNG could be achieved based on the same OEO entropy source. Our results could provide further insight into the implementation of RNG based on chaotic optical systems.
Anisotropic flow in pp-collisions at the LHC
Authors: Troshin S. M. , Tyurin N. E.
Published: August 2015

We discuss collective effects in pp-collisions at the LHC energies and derive an upper bound for the anisotropic flow coefficients vn. A possibility of its verification via comparison with the measurements of v2 is considered. We use an assumption on the relation of the two-particle correlations with the rotation of the transient state of matter.
IMPROVING POLLINATION THROUGH LEARNING
Authors: BARRADAS IGNACIO , VÁZQUEZ VIRGILIO
Published: August 2015

In this paper we present a mathematical model describing the interaction of two species, a plant population and an insect population, the latter being divided in two subgroups: novice and expert pollinators. We analyze the system and show the existence of a single nontrivial equilibrium, which is stable and represents a state of mutual benefit for all species involved. We show some numerical simulations of the global stability.
A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR THE REPRODUCTION DYNAMICS OFTOXOPLASMA GONDII
Authors: MARÍN JOHN ALEXANDER LEÓN , GANDICA IRENE DUARTE
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a mathematical model describing the reproduction dynamics of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite in the definitive host Felis catus (cat). The dynamics is described by a system of partial differential equations defined in a one-dimensional region, with boundary and initial conditions. The model considers both asexual and sexual reproduction processes of the T. gondii parasite starting from the consumption of T. gondii oocysts from the environment, by the definitive host, and describing the reproduction dynamics until the cat expels infectious oocysts to the environment through its feces. The numerical solution of the system is obtained, and some simulations are made, leaving constant of transition and loss rates, since its variation does not produce significant changes in the reproduction, propagation and creation of new populations; and varying the initial consumption of oocysts from the environment by the cat. It is concluded that, either low or high, the involved populations are always reproduced; they spread by all over epithelial cells and subsequently are expelled to the environment through the cat feces. It is corroborated that the cats are potential multipliers of the oocysts and therefore, the main disseminators of the infection.
Elastic Distortional Buckling Analysis of I-Steel Concrete Composite Beam Considering Shear Deformation
Authors: Zhou Wang-Bao , Jiang Li-Zhong , Li Shu-Jin , Kong Fan
Published: August 2015

Elastic distortional buckling is one of the essential buckling modes of the I-steel concrete composite beam (ISCCB); such buckling often occurs under the gradient of negative moment. The key factors affecting the kind of buckling are the “torsional” and “lateral” restraint stiffnesses of the bottom flange of the beam. This paper investigates the equivalent lateral and torsional restraint stiffnesses of the bottom flange of the ISCCB under the gradient of negative moment. The relations for estimating the lateral and torsional restraint stiffnesses are used to determine the critical distortional buckling stress and associated buckling moment of the beam under the gradient of negative moment. A new method is proposed for assessing the buckling of the elastic-foundation beam, by which the related factors are considered: (1) The coupling effect between the applied forces and lateral/torsional restraint stiffness of the bottom flange of the beam, (2) the effect of gradient of a moment and (3) the effect of shear deformation of the web. The proposed method has been compared with those available by using the data of 15 cases under different loading conditions; the results show that the present method is much more accurate and reliable than the existing ones. The method as proposed herein is recommended for further research in relation to the buckling of the ISCCB.
Ramsey-Based Inclusion Checking for Visibly Pushdown Automata
Authors: Friedmann Oliver , Klaedtke Felix , Lange Martin
Published: August 2015

Checking whether one formal language is included in another is important in many verification tasks. In this article, we provide solutions for checking the inclusion of languages given by visibly pushdown automata over both finite and infinite words. Visibly pushdown automata are a richer automaton model than the classical finite-state automata, which allows one, for example, to reason about the nesting of procedure calls in the executions of recursive imperative programs. The presented solutions do not rely on explicit automaton constructions for determinization and complementation. Instead, they are more direct and generalize the so-called Ramsey-based inclusion-checking algorithms, which apply to classical finite-state automata and proved to be effective there to visibly pushdown automata. We also experimentally evaluate these algorithms, demonstrating the virtues of avoiding explicit determinization and complementation constructions.
Plasma miR-185 is decreased in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and might suppress tumor migration and invasion by targeting RAGE
Authors: Jing Rongrong , Chen Wen , Wang Huimin , Ju Shaoqing , Cong Hui , Sun Baolan , Jin Qin , Chu Shaopeng , Xu Lili , Cui Ming
Published: August 2015

The receptor for advanced-glycation end products (RAGE) is upregulated in various cancers and has been associated with tumor progression, but little is known about its expression and regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Here, we describe miR-185, which represses RAGE expression, and investigate the biological role of miR-185 in ESCC. In this study, we found that the high level of RAGE expression in 29 pairs of paraffin-embedded ESCC tissues was correlated positively with the depth of invasion by immunohistochemistry, suggesting that RAGE was involved in ESCC. We used bioinformatics searches and luciferase reporter assays to investigate the prediction that RAGE was regulated directly by miR-185. Besides, overexpression of miR-185 in ESCC cells was accompanied by 27% (TE-11) and 49% (Eca-109) reduced RAGE expression. The effect was further confirmed in RAGE protein by immunofluorescence in both cell lines. The effects were reversed following cotransfection with miR-185 and high-level expression of the RAGE vector. Furthermore, the biological role of miR-185 in ESCC cell lines was investigated using assays of cell viability, Ki-67 staining, and cell migration and invasion, as well as in a xenograft model. We found that overexpression of miR-185 inhibited migration and invasion by ESCC cells in vitro and reduced their capacity to develop distal pulmonary metastases in vivo partly through the RAGE/heat shock protein 27 pathway. Interestingly, in clinical specimens, the level of plasma miR-185 expression was decreased significantly ( P = 0.002) in patients with ESCC [0.500; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.248–1.676] compared with healthy controls (2.410; 95% CI 0.612–5.671). The value of the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.73 (95% CI 0.604–0.855). In conclusion, our findings shed novel light on the role of miR-185/RAGE in ESCC metastasis, and plasma miR-185 has potential as a novel diagnostic biomarker in ESCC.
What global diastolic function is, what it is not, and how to measure it
Authors: Chung Charles S. , Shmuylovich Leonid , Kovács Sándor J.
Published: August 2015

Despite Leonardo da Vinci's observation (circa 1511) that “the atria or filling chambers contract together while the pumping chambers or ventricles are relaxing and vice versa,” the dynamics of four-chamber heart function, and of diastolic function (DF) in particular, are not generally appreciated. We view DF from a global perspective, while characterizing it in terms of causality and clinical relevance. Our models derive from the insight that global DF is ultimately a result of forces generated by elastic recoil, modulated by cross-bridge relaxation, and load. The interaction between recoil and relaxation results in physical wall motion that generates pressure gradients that drive fluid flow, while epicardial wall motion is constrained by the pericardial sac. Traditional DF indexes (τ, E/E′, etc.) are not derived from causal mechanisms and are interpreted as approximating either stiffness or relaxation, but not both, thereby limiting the accuracy of DF quantification. Our derived kinematic models of isovolumic relaxation and suction-initiated filling are extensively validated, quantify the balance between stiffness and relaxation, and provide novel mechanistic physiological insight. For example, causality-based modeling provides load-independent indexes of DF and reveals that both stiffness and relaxation modify traditional DF indexes. The method has revealed that the in vivo left ventricular equilibrium volume occurs at diastasis, predicted novel relationships between filling and wall motion, and quantified causal relationships between ventricular and atrial function. In summary, by using governing physiological principles as a guide, we define what global DF is, what it is not, and how to measure it.
Glycogen synthase kinase-3β modulation of glucocorticoid responsiveness in COPD
Authors: Ngkelo Anta , Hoffmann Roland F. , Durham Andrew L. , Marwick John A. , Brandenburg Simone M. , de Bruin Harold G. , Jonker Marnix R. , Rossios Christos , Tsitsiou Eleni , Caramori Gaetano , Contoli Marco , Casolari Paolo , Monaco Francesco , Andò Filippo , Speciale Giuseppe , Kilty Iain , Chung Kian F. , Papi Alberto , Lindsay Mark A. , ten Hacken Nick H. T. , van den Berge Maarten , Timens Wim , Barnes Peter J. , van Oosterhout Antoon J. , Adcock Ian M. , Kirkham Paul A. , Heijink Irene H.
Published: August 2015

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), oxidative stress regulates the inflammatory response of bronchial epithelium and monocytes/macrophages through kinase modulation and has been linked to glucocorticoid unresponsiveness. Glycogen synthase-3β (GSK3β) inactivation plays a key role in mediating signaling processes upon reactive oxygen species (ROS) exposure. We hypothesized that GSK3β is involved in oxidative stress-induced glucocorticoid insensitivity in COPD. We studied levels of phospho-GSK3β-Ser9, a marker of GSK3β inactivation, in lung sections and cultured monocytes and bronchial epithelial cells of COPD patients, control smokers, and nonsmokers. We observed increased levels of phospho-GSK3β-Ser9 in monocytes, alveolar macrophages, and bronchial epithelial cells from COPD patients and control smokers compared with nonsmokers. Pharmacological inactivation of GSK3β did not affect CXCL8 or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) expression but resulted in glucocorticoid insensitivity in vitro in both inflammatory and structural cells. Further mechanistic studies in monocyte and bronchial epithelial cell lines showed that GSK3β inactivation is a common effector of oxidative stress-induced activation of the MEK/ERK-1/2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathways leading to glucocorticoid unresponsiveness. In primary monocytes, the mechanism involved modulation of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) activity in response to GSK3β inactivation. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that ROS-induced glucocorticoid unresponsiveness in COPD is mediated through GSK3β, acting as a ROS-sensitive hub.
Modulation of error-sensitivity during a prism adaptation task in people with cerebellar degeneration
Authors: Hanajima Ritsuko , Shadmehr Reza , Ohminami Shinya , Tsutsumi Ryosuke , Shirota Yuichiro , Shimizu Takahiro , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Terao Yasuo , Tsuji Shoji , Ugawa Yoshikazu , Uchimura Motoaki , Inoue Masato , Kitazawa Shigeru
Published: August 2015

Cerebellar damage can profoundly impair human motor adaptation. For example, if reaching movements are perturbed abruptly, cerebellar damage impairs the ability to learn from the perturbation-induced errors. Interestingly, if the perturbation is imposed gradually over many trials, people with cerebellar damage may exhibit improved adaptation. However, this result is controversial, since the differential effects of gradual vs. abrupt protocols have not been observed in all studies. To examine this question, we recruited patients with pure cerebellar ataxia due to cerebellar cortical atrophy ( n = 13) and asked them to reach to a target while viewing the scene through wedge prisms. The prisms were computer controlled, making it possible to impose the full perturbation abruptly in one trial, or build up the perturbation gradually over many trials. To control visual feedback, we employed shutter glasses that removed visual feedback during the reach, allowing us to measure trial-by-trial learning from error (termed error-sensitivity), and trial-by-trial decay of motor memory (termed forgetting). We found that the patients benefited significantly from the gradual protocol, improving their performance with respect to the abrupt protocol by exhibiting smaller errors during the exposure block, and producing larger aftereffects during the postexposure block. Trial-by-trial analysis suggested that this improvement was due to increased error-sensitivity in the gradual protocol. Therefore, cerebellar patients exhibited an improved ability to learn from error if they experienced those errors gradually. This improvement coincided with increased error-sensitivity and was present in both groups of subjects, suggesting that control of error-sensitivity may be spared despite cerebellar damage.
Normalization in human somatosensory cortex
Authors: Brouwer Gijs Joost , Arnedo Vanessa , Offen Shani , Heeger David J. , Grant Arthur C.
Published: August 2015

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure activity in human somatosensory cortex and to test for cross-digit suppression. Subjects received stimulation (vibration of varying amplitudes) to the right thumb (target) with or without concurrent stimulation of the right middle finger (mask). Subjects were less sensitive to target stimulation (psychophysical detection thresholds were higher) when target and mask digits were stimulated concurrently compared with when the target was stimulated in isolation. fMRI voxels in a region of the left postcentral gyrus each responded when either digit was stimulated. A regression model (called a forward model) was used to separate the fMRI measurements from these voxels into two hypothetical channels, each of which responded selectively to only one of the two digits. For the channel tuned to the target digit, responses in the left postcentral gyrus increased with target stimulus amplitude but were suppressed by concurrent stimulation to the mask digit, evident as a shift in the gain of the response functions. For the channel tuned to the mask digit, a constant baseline response was evoked for all target amplitudes when the mask was absent and responses decreased with increasing target amplitude when the mask was concurrently presented. A computational model based on divisive normalization provided a good fit to the measurements for both mask-absent and target + mask stimulation. We conclude that the normalization model can explain cross-digit suppression in human somatosensory cortex, supporting the hypothesis that normalization is a canonical neural computation.
Applying the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process to Construct the Product Innovative Service System of Wedding Photography Apparel
Authors: Tu Jui-Che , Hu Chi-Ling
Published: August 2015

This study aimed to investigate the indicators of the wedding photography apparel product system in order to construct the wedding photography apparel product system indicators and analyze the hieratical weights of the wedding photography apparel product system indicators. By using the Delphi method and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, this study constructed the questionnaire for wedding photography apparel product system indicator weights. This study used the mean and standard deviation to learn about the distribution of opinions of the experts and scholars. According to the findings of this study, for the fuzzy weight analysis results of the wedding photography apparel product system indicators, the most important indicators are the product-service indicators. Moreover, for the product-service indicators, the wedding apparel package service is the most important. For the information platform indicator, the wedding apparel style opinion platform is the most important. For the maintenance and recycling indicators, the wedding apparel second-hand auction/donation is the most important. For the sales market indicators, the wedding apparel store sales/rental is the most important. The main purpose of the indicators of the wedding photography apparel product system constructed in this study is to propose detailed items and connotations to provide a substantial reference and basis of business strategic indicators for the wedding photography enterprises.
Tracking Transplanted Stem Cells Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Nanoparticle Labeling Method in Urology
Authors: Kim Jae Heon , Lee Hong J. , Song Yun Seob
Published: August 2015

A reliablein vivoimaging method to localize transplanted cells and monitor their viability would enable a systematic investigation of cell therapy. Most stem cell transplantation studies have used immunohistological staining, which does not provide information about the migration of transplanted cellsin vivoin the same host. Molecular imaging visualizes targeted cells in a living host, which enables determining the biological processes occurring in transplanted stem cells. Molecular imaging with labeled nanoparticles provides the opportunity to monitor transplanted cells noninvasively without sacrifice and to repeatedly evaluate them. Among several molecular imaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides high resolution and sensitivity of transplanted cells. MRI is a powerful noninvasive imaging modality with excellent image resolution for studying cellular dynamics. Several types of nanoparticles including superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and magnetic nanoparticles have been used to magnetically label stem cells and monitor viability by MRI in the urologic field. This review focuses on the current role and limitations of MRI with labeled nanoparticles for tracking transplanted stem cells in urology.
Tropomyosin and Actin Identified as Major Allergens of the Carpet Clam (Paphia textile) and the Effect of Cooking on Their Allergenicity
Authors: Mohamad Yadzir Zailatul Hani , Misnan Rosmilah , Bakhtiar Faizal , Abdullah Noormalin , Murad Shahnaz
Published: August 2015

Objectives. To identify the major allergenic proteins of clam (Paphia textile) and to investigate the effect of different cooking methods on the allergenicity of these identified proteins.Methods. Clam protein extracts were separated by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. IgE reactive proteins were then analyzed by immunoblotting with sera from patients with positive skin prick tests (SPT) to the raw clam extract. Mass spectrometry was used to identify the major allergenic proteins of this clam.Results. Raw extract showed 12 protein bands (18–150 kDa). In contrast, fewer protein bands were seen in the boiled extract; those ranging from 40 to 150 kDa were denatured. The protein profiles were similarly altered by frying or roasting. The immunoblots of raw and boiled extracts yielded 10 and 2 IgE-binding proteins, respectively. The fried and roasted extracts showed only a single IgE-binding protein at 37 kDa. Mass spectrometry analysis of the 37 and 42 kDa major allergens indicated that these spots were tropomyosin and actin, respectively.Conclusion. The two major allergens ofPaphia textilewere identified as the thermostable tropomyosin and a new thermolabile allergen actin.
Multiscale Hybrid Nonlocal Means Filtering Using Modified Similarity Measure
Authors: Shamsi Zahid Hussain , Kim Dai-Gyoung
Published: August 2015

A new multiscale implementation of nonlocal means filtering (MHNLM) for image denoising is proposed. The proposed algorithm also introduces a modification of the similarity measure for patch comparison. Assuming the patch as an oriented surface, the notion of a normal vectors patch is introduced. The inner product of these normal vectors patches is defined and then used in the weighted Euclidean distance of intensity patches as the weight factor. The algorithm involves two steps: the first step is a multiscale implementation of an accelerated nonlocal means filtering in the discrete stationary wavelet domain to obtain a refined version of the noisy patches for later comparison. The next step is to apply the proposed modification of standard nonlocal means filtering to the noisy image using the reference patches obtained in the first step. These refined patches contain less noise, and consequently the computation of normal vectors and partial derivatives is more precise. Experimental results show equivalent or better performance of the proposed algorithm compared to various state-of-the-art algorithms.
Developmental Changes in Morphology of the Middle and Posterior External Cranial Base in ModernHomo sapiens
Authors: Dalal Deepal H. , Smith Heather F.
Published: August 2015

The basicranium has been described as phylogenetically informative, developmentally stable, and minimally affected by external factors and consequently plays an important role in cranial size and shape in subadult humans. Here basicranial variation of subadults from several modern human populations was investigated and the impact of genetic relatedness on basicranial morphological similarities was investigated. Three-dimensional landmark data were digitized from subadult basicrania from seven populations. Published molecular data on short tandem repeats were statistically compared to morphological data from three ontogenetic stages. Basicranial and temporal bone morphology both reflect genetic distances in childhood and adolescence (5–18 years), but not in infancy (<5 years). The occipital bone reflects genetic distances only in adolescence (13–18 years). The sphenoid bone does not reflect genetic distances at any ontogenetic stage but was the most diagnostic region evaluated, resulting in high rates of correct classification among populations. These results suggest that the ontogenetic processes driving basicranial development are complex and cannot be succinctly summarized across populations or basicranial regions. However, the fact that certain regions reflect genetic distances suggests that the morphology of these regions may be useful in reconstructing population history in specimens for which direct DNA evidence is unavailable, such as archaeological sites.