bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphometric Analysis of the Host Effect on Phenotypical Variation ofBelminus ferroae(Hemiptera: Triatominae)
Authors: Sandoval Ramirez Claudia Magaly , Nieves Blanco Elsa Evelia , Gutiérrez Marin Reinaldo , Jaimes Mendez Diego Alexander , Rodríguez Nelcy Ortiz , Otálora-Luna Fernando , José Aldana Elis
Published: November 2015

The Triatominae subfamily includes hematophagous insects, well known for their role as vectors for theTrypanosoma cruziparasite, etiologic agent of Chagas’ disease.Belminus ferroaeis a triatomine that showed an increased demographic fitness when cockroaches were used as hosts. Here we compare the centroid size (CS) and wing shape betweenB. ferroaeparents and three successive generations (O1, O2, and O3) of their offspring fed on cockroaches or mice under laboratory conditions. Morphometric analysis of the wings bugs fed on cockroaches showed a significant reduction in CS in both sexes among all generations. Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) was observed in the insects fed on cockroaches (O2 and O3), as well as those bugs fed on mice (O2). Differences in the shape of wings were observed between parental and offspring wings when fed on mice, but not in males (O1, O2, and O3) or females (O1 and O2) fed on cockroaches. There was a greater wing shape similarity between the cockroach-fed offspring and their parents according to the Mahalanobis distances. Our results support the idea of higher adaptation of this Triatominae with arthropod hosts.
Posterior Urethral Strictures
Authors: Gelman Joel , Wisenbaugh Eric S.
Published: November 2015

Pelvic fracture urethral injuries are typically partial and more often complete disruptions of the most proximal bulbar and distal membranous urethra. Emergency management includes suprapubic tube placement. Subsequent primary realignment to place a urethral catheter remains a controversial topic, but what is not controversial is that when there is the development of a stricture (which is usually obliterative with a distraction defect) after suprapubic tube placement or urethral catheter removal, the standard of care is delayed urethral reconstruction with excision and primary anastomosis. This paper reviews the management of patients who suffer pelvic fracture urethral injuries and the techniques of preoperative urethral imaging and subsequent posterior urethroplasty.
Three-Dimensional Imaging of a Central Venous Dialysis Catheter Related Infected Thrombus
Authors: Chiu Diana Yuan Yng , Green Darren , Kalra Philip A. , Abidin Nik
Published: November 2015

Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography is becoming widely available and with novel applications. We report an interesting case of a 68-year-old lady with a central venous thrombosis coincident with both a dialysis catheter infection and a recent pacemaker insertion. Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was unable to delineate whether the thrombosis was involved with the pacemaker wire or due to the tunneled catheter infection. The use of 3D echocardiography was able to produce distinct images aiding diagnosis. This circumvented the need for invasive investigations and inappropriate, high-risk removal of the pacing wire. This case highlights the emerging application of 3D echocardiography in routine nephrology practice.
Safety and Efficacy of Ferric Carboxymaltose in Anemic Pregnant Women: A Retrospective Case Control Study
Authors: Pels Anouk , Ganzevoort Wessel
Published: November 2015

Background. Anemia during pregnancy is commonly caused by iron deficiency and can have severe consequences for both the mother and the developing fetus. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in pregnant women.Methods. All women treated with FCM for anemia during pregnancy between 2010 and 2012 at our institution were included. A matched control group was selected, including women who either were nonanemic or had anemia but were not considered for intravenous iron. Main outcome measures were maternal safety and pregnancy outcomes.Results. The study included 128 patients (FCM: 64; control: 64). Median FCM dose was 1000 mg and median gestational age at the time of first treatment was 34 weeks and 6 days. Median Hb increased from 8.4 g/dL (interquartile range 7.7; 8.9 g/dL) at the first FCM administration to 10.7 g/dL (9.8; 11.5 g/dL;n=46with available Hb at delivery) at the time of delivery, achieving levels similar to those in the control group (10.8 g/dL [9.8; 11.8 g/dL;n=48]). No treatment-related adverse events were reported and no statistically significant differences in pregnancy outcomes were observed between groups.Conclusions. Within the limitations of this case control study, FCM was a safe and efficient treatment of anemia during pregnancy.
Nanostructured Diamond‐Like Carbon Films Grown by Off‐Axis Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Yap Seong Shan , Nee Chen Hon , Yap Seong Ling , Tou Teck Yong
Published: November 2015

Nanostructured diamond‐like carbon (DLC) films instead of the ultrasmooth film were obtained by pulsed laser ablation of pyrolytic graphite. Deposition was performed at room temperature in vacuum with substrates placed at off‐axis position. The configuration utilized high density plasma plume arriving at low effective angle for the formation of nanostructured DLC. Nanostructures with maximum size of 50 nm were deposited as compared to the ultrasmooth DLC films obtained in a conventional deposition. The Raman spectra of the films confirmed that the films were diamond‐like/amorphous in nature. Although grown at an angle, ion energy of >35 eV was obtained at the off‐axis position. This was proposed to be responsible for subplantation growth of sp3 hybridized carbon. The condensation of energetic clusters and oblique angle deposition correspondingly gave rise to the formation of nanostructured DLC in this study.
Multienzyme Modification of Hemp Protein for Functional Peptides Synthesis
Authors: Das Ranjana
Published: November 2015

Functional foods and nutraceuticals are of special importance, particularly for their impact on human health and prevention of certain chronic diseases. Consequently, the production and properties of bioactive peptides have received an increasing scientific interest over past few years. Present work intends to compare the competence of metalloendopeptidases (“Protease N” and “Protease A”) with papain for getting functional peptides from hemp seed meal, which is an obligatory waste of hemp fiber production industry. As a measure of the functional potential hemp protein hydrolysates were analyzed for their antiradical properties in DPPH system. “Protease N” modified protein hydrolysate exhibited comparatively superior radical scavenging activity in DPPH system. Overall findings represent the importance of “Protease N,” as endopeptidase in getting peptides of good antiradical properties from various protein sources.
Effects of Interscalene Nerve Block for Postoperative Pain Management in Patients after Shoulder Surgery
Authors: Chen Hsiu-Pin , Shen Shih-Jyun , Tsai Hsin-I , Kao Sheng-Chin , Yu Huang-Ping
Published: November 2015

Objectives. Shoulder surgery can produce severe postoperative pain and movement limitations. Evidence has shown that regional nerve block is an effective management for postoperative shoulder pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the postoperative analgesic effect of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) combined with interscalene nerve block in comparison to PCA alone after shoulder surgery.Methods. In this study, 103 patients receiving PCA combined with interscalene nerve block (PCAIB) and 48 patients receiving PCA alone after shoulder surgery were included. Patients’ characteristics, preoperative shoulder score and range of motion, surgical and anesthetic condition in addition to visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, postoperative PCA consumption, and adverse outcomes were evaluated.Results. The results showed that PCA combined with interscalene nerve block (PCAIB) group required less volume of analgesics than PCA alone group in 24 hours (57.76±23.29 mL versus87.29±33.73 mL,p<0.001) and 48 hours (114.86±40.97 mL versus183.63±44.83 mL,p<0.001) postoperatively. The incidence of dizziness in PCAIB group was significantly lower than PCA group (resp., 1.9% and 14.6%,p=0.005). VAS, nausea, and vomiting were less in group PCAIB, but in the absence of significant statistical correlation.Conclusion. Interscalene nerve block is effective postoperatively in reducing the demand for PCA analgesics and decreasing opioids-induced adverse events following shoulder surgery.
Effects of Bahir Dar Textile Factory Effluents on the Water Quality of the Head Waters of Blue Nile River, Ethiopia
Authors: Mehari Abrehet Kahsay , Gebremedhin Shewit , Ayele Belayneh
Published: November 2015

The study was conducted in 2013/14 with the objective of determining the effects of Bahir Dar textile factory effluents on the head of Blue Nile River water quality. Dissolve oxygen was higher at the upstream site of the river, whereas BOD5, TDS, and total alkalinity values were higher at wastewater outlet of the factory site. The mean values of dissolved oxygen, BOD5, and total alkalinity were above maximum permissible limits set by WHO for drinking water at head of Blue Nile River. The mean value of BOD5 was above permissible limit of IFC for textile effluents to be discharged to surface water. A total of 836 aquatic macroinvertebrate individuals belonging to 21 families were collected. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index, the Hilsenhoff family-level biotic index, family richness, and percent dipterans were calculated. Hilsenhoff family-level biotic index and percent dipterans metrics differed significantly among sampling sites(P<0.05). Hilsenhoff family-level biotic index was higher at the most downstream site but percent dipterans were higher at site of discharge of effluent to the head of Blue Nile River. Therefore, there is indication that effluent demands frequent control and proper treatment before being discharged to the environment.
Entropy Solution for Doubly Nonlinear Elliptic Anisotropic Problems with Robin Boundary Conditions
Authors: Ibrango I. , Ouaro S.
Published: November 2015

We study in this paper nonlinear anisotropic problems with Robin boundary conditions. We prove, by using the technic of monotone operators in Banach spaces, the existence of a sequence of weak solutions of approximation problems associated with the anisotropic Robin boundary value problem. For the existence and uniqueness of entropy solutions, we prove that the sequence of weak solutions converges to a measurable function which is the entropy solution of the anisotropic Robin boundary value problem.
Acute Coronary Syndrome: An Unusual Consequence of GERD
Authors: Hui Chui Man Carmen , Padala Santosh K. , Lavelle Michael , Torosoff Mikhail T. , Zhu Xinjun Cindy , Sidhu Mandeep S.
Published: November 2015

We report a case of an 83-year-old man with history of coronary artery disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who presented with sudden onset nocturnal dyspnea. He was diagnosed with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction based on the electrocardiographic changes and cardiac biomarker elevation. Cardiac catheterization revealed chronic three-vessel coronary artery disease, with 2 patent grafts and 2 chronically occluded grafts. While at the hospital, the patient experienced a similar episode of nocturnal dyspnea, prompting a barium esophagram, which was suggestive of a stricture in the distal esophagus from long-standing GERD. We hypothesized that he had myocardial ischemia due to increased oxygen demand from uncontrolled GERD symptoms. He had no further ischemic episodes after increasing the dose of antireflux medication over a 6-month follow-up. After presenting our case, we review the literature on this atypical presentation of GERD causing acute coronary syndrome and discuss potential mechanisms.
Fault Reconstruction Based on Sliding Mode Observer for Current Sensors of PMSM
Authors: Zhang Changfan , Liao Huijun , Li Xiangfei , Sun Jian , He Jing
Published: November 2015

This paper deals with a method of phase current sensor fault reconstruction for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives. A new state variable is introduced so that an augmented system can be constructed to treat PMSM sensor faults as actuator faults. This method uses the PMSM two-phase stationary reference frame fault model and a sliding mode variable structure observer to reconstruct fault signals. A logic algorithm is built to isolate and identify the faulty sensor for a stator phase current fault after reconstructing the two-phase stationary reference frame fault signals, which allows the phase fault signals to be reconstructed. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the functionality of the theoretical developments.
Diagnostic Metabolomic Blood Tests for Endoluminal Gastrointestinal Cancer—A Systematic Review and Assessment of Quality
Authors: Antonowicz Stefan , Kumar Sacheen , Wiggins Tom , Markar Sheraz R. , Hanna George B.
Published: November 2015

Advances in analytics have resulted in metabolomic blood tests being developed for the detection of cancer. This systematic review aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of blood-based metabolomic biomarkers for endoluminal gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Using endoscopic diagnosis as a reference standard, methodologic and reporting quality was assessed using validated tools, in addition to pathway-based informatics to biologically contextualize discriminant features. Twenty-nine studies (15 colorectal, 9 esophageal, 3 gastric, and 2 mixed) with data from 10,835 participants were included. All reported significant differences in hematologic metabolites. In pooled analysis, 246 metabolites were found to be significantly different after multiplicity correction. Incremental metabolic flux with disease progression was frequently reported. Two promising candidates have been validated in independent populations (both colorectal biomarkers), and one has been approved for clinical use. Networks analysis suggested modulation of elements of up to half of Edinburgh Human Metabolic Network subdivisions, and that the poor clinical applicability of commonly modulated metabolites could be due to extensive molecular interconnectivity. Methodologic and reporting quality was assessed as moderate-to-poor. Serum metabolomics holds promise for GI cancer diagnostics; however, future efforts must adhere to consensus standardization initiatives, utilize high-resolution discovery analytics, and compare candidate biomarkers with peer nonendoscopic alternatives. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(1); 6–15. ©2015 AACR.
Long-Term Impact of the Dutch Colorectal Cancer Screening Program on Cancer Incidence and Mortality—Model-Based Exploration of the Serrated Pathway
Authors: Greuter Marjolein J.E. , Demirel Erhan , Lew Jie-Bin , Berkhof Johannes , Xu Xiang-Ming , Canfell Karen , Dekker Evelien , Meijer Gerrit A. , Coupé Veerle M.H.
Published: November 2015

Background: We aimed to predict the long-term colorectal cancer incidence, mortality, and colonoscopy demand of the recently implemented Dutch colorectal cancer screening program.

Methods: The Adenoma and Serrated pathway to Colorectal Cancer model was set up to simulate the Dutch screening program consisting of biennial fecal immunochemical testing combined with the new Dutch surveillance guidelines, between 2014 and 2044. The impact of screening and surveillance was evaluated under three sets of natural history assumptions differing in the contribution of the serrated pathway to colorectal cancer incidence. In sensitivity analyses, other assumptions concerning the serrated pathway were varied. Model-predicted outcomes were yearly colorectal cancer incidence, mortality, and colonoscopy demand per year.

Results: Assuming an aging population, colorectal cancer incidence under 30 years of screening is predicted to decrease by 35% and 31% for a contribution of 0% and 30% of the serrated pathway to colorectal cancer, respectively. For colorectal cancer mortality, reductions are 47% and 45%. In 2044, 110,000 colonoscopies will be required annually assuming no contribution of the serrated pathway (27 per 1,000 individuals in the screening age range). Including the serrated pathway influences predicted screening effectiveness if serrated lesions are neither detected nor treated at colonoscopy, and/or if colorectal cancers arising from serrated lesions have substantially lower survival rates than those arising from adenomas.

Conclusions: The Dutch screening program will markedly decrease colorectal cancer incidence and mortality but considerable colonoscopy resources will be required.

Impact: Predictions of long-term screening effectiveness are preferably based on both pathways to colorectal cancer to transparently describe the impact of uncertainties regarding the serrated pathway on long-term predictions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(1); 135–44. ©2015 AACR.
Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Predicts Polo-Like Kinase 1 Inhibitor–Mediated Apoptosis in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ferrarotto Renata , Goonatilake Ruchitha , Young Yoo Suk , Tong Pan , Giri Uma , Peng Shaohua , Minna John , Girard Luc , Wang Yuehong , Wang Liguang , Li Lerong , Diao Lixia , Peng David H. , Gibbons Don L. , Glisson Bonnie S. , Heymach John V. , Wang Jing , Byers Lauren A. , Johnson Faye M.
Published: November 2015

Purpose: To identify new therapeutic targets for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we systematically searched two cancer cell line databases for sensitivity data on a broad range of drugs. We identified polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as the most promising target for further investigation based on a subset of sensitive NSCLC cell lines and inhibitors that were in advanced clinical development.

Experimental Design: To identify potential biomarkers of response of NSCLC to PLK1 inhibition and mechanisms of PLK1 inhibitor–induced apoptosis, integrated analysis of gene and protein expression, gene mutations, and drug sensitivity was performed using three PLK1 inhibitors (volasertib, BI2536, and GSK461364) with a large panel of NSCLC cell lines.

Results: The NSCLC cell lines had different sensitivities to PLK1 inhibition, with a minority demonstrating sensitivity to all three inhibitors. PLK1 inhibition led to G2–M arrest, but only treatment-sensitive cell lines underwent substantial apoptosis following PLK1 inhibition. NSCLC lines with high epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene signature scores (mesenchymal cell lines) were more sensitive to PLK1 inhibition than epithelial lines (P < 0.02). Likewise, proteomic profiling demonstrated that E-cadherin expression was higher in the resistant cell lines than in the sensitive ones (P < 0.01). Induction of an epithelial phenotype by expression of the miRNA miR-200 increased cellular resistance to PLK1 inhibition. Also, KRAS mutation and alterations in the tight-junction, ErbB, and Rho signaling pathways correlated with drug response of NSCLC.

Conclusions: In this first reported large-scale integrated analysis of PLK1 inhibitor sensitivity, we demonstrated that EMT leads to PLK1 inhibition sensitivity of NSCLC cells. Our findings have important clinical implications for mesenchymal NSCLC, a significant subtype of the disease that is associated with resistance to currently approved targeted therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 22(7); 1674–86. ©2015 AACR.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Negatively Regulates the Differentiation of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Toward Myofibroblasts in Liver Fibrogenesis
Authors: Jia Shuangshuang , Liu Xin , Li Weiyang , Xie Jieshi , Yang Le , Li Liying
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been confirmed to have capacity to differentiate toward hepatic myofibroblasts, which contribute to fibrogenesis in chronic liver diseases. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a ligand-activated transcription factor, has gained a great deal of recent attention as it is involved in fibrosis and cell differentiation. However, whether it regulates the differentiation of BMSCs toward myofibroblasts remains to be defined. Methods: Carbon tetrachloride or bile duct ligation was used to induce mouse liver fibrosis. Expressions of PPARγ, α-smooth muscle actin, collagen α1 (I) and collagen α1 (III) were detected by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot or immunofluorescence assay. Results: PPARγ expression was decreased in mouse fibrotic liver. In addition, PPARγ was declined during the differentiation of BMSCs toward myofibroblasts induced by transforming growth factor β1. Activation of PPARγ stimulated by natural or synthetic ligands suppressed the differentiation of BMSCs. Additionally, knock down of PPARγ by siRNA contributed to BMSC differentiation toward myofibroblasts. Furthermore, PPARγ activation by natural ligand significantly inhibited the differentiation of BMSCs toward myofibroblasts in liver fibrogenesis and alleviated liver fibrosis. Conclusions: PPARγ negatively regulates the differentiation of BMSCs toward myofibroblasts, which highlights a further mechanism implicated in the BMSC differentiation.
TGIF1 Gene Silencing in Tendon-Derived Stem Cells Improves the Tendon-to-Bone Insertion Site Regeneration
Authors: Chen Liyang , Jiang Chaoyin , Tiwari Shashi Ranjan , Shrestha Amrit , Xu Pengcheng , Liang Wenqing , Sun Yeqing , He Shisheng , Cheng Biao
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: The slow healing process of tendon-to-bone junctions can be accelerated via implanted tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) with silenced transforming growth interacting factor 1 (TGIF1) gene. Tendon-to-bone insertion site is the special form of connective tissues derivatives of common connective progenitors, where TGF-β plays bidirectional effects (chondrogenic or fibrogenic) through different signaling pathways at different stages. A recent study revealed that TGF-β directly induces the chondrogenic gene Sox9. However, TGIF1 represses the expression of the cartilage master Sox9 gene and changes its expression rate against the fibrogenesis gene Scleraxis (Scx). Methods: TGIF1 siRNA was transduced or TGIF1 was over-expressed in tendon-derived stem cells. Following suprapinatus tendon repair, rats were either treated with transduced TDSCs or nontransduced TDSCs. Histologic examination and Western blot were performed in both groups. Results: In this study, the silencing of TGIF1 significantly upregulated the chondrogenic genes and markers. Similarly, TGIF1 inhibited TDSC differentiation into cartilage via interactions with TGF-β-activated Smad2 and suppressed the phosphorylation of Smad2. The area of fibrocartilage at the tendon-bone interface was significantly increased in the TGIF1 (-) group compared with the control and TGIF1-overexpressing groups in the early stages of the animal model. The interface between the tendon and bone showed a increase of new bone and fibrocartilage in the TGIF1 (-) group at 4 weeks. Fibrovascular scar tissue was observed in the TGIF1-overexpressing group and the fibrin glue only group. Low levels of fibrocartilage and fibrovascular scar tissue were found in the TDSCs group. Conclusion: Collectively, this study shows that the tendon-derived stem cell modified with TGIF1 gene silencing has promising effects on tendon-to-bone healing which can be further explored as a therapeutic tool in regenerative medicine.
β-Hydroxybutyrate Facilitates Fatty Acids Synthesis Mediated by Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein1 in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhang Shiqi , Hui Qi , Lei Lin , Du Xiliang , Gao Wenwen , Zhang Renhe , Liu Guowen , Li Xiaobing , Li Xinwei
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: In dairy cows, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) is utilized as precursors of de novo synthesized fatty acids in mammary gland. Ketotic cows are characterized by excessive negative energy balance (NEB), which can further increase the blood BHBA concentration. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein1 (SREBP1) and cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation factor-alpha-like effector α (Cidea) play crucial roles in lipid synthesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that BHBA could stimulate SREBP1/Cidea pathway to increase milk fat synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells. Methods: Bovine mammary epithelial cells were treated with different concentrations of BHBA and transfected with adenovirus to silence SREBP1 expression. The effects of BHBA on the lipid synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells were investigated. Results: The results showed that BHBA could significantly increase the expression of SREBP1, fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase α (ACC-α), Cidea and diacylglycerol transferase-1 (DGAT-1), as well as the triglycerides (TG) content in bovine mammary epithelial cells. BHBA treatment also increased the transfer of mature SREBP1 to nucleus compared with control group. However, SREBP1 silencing could significantly down-regulate the overexpression of FAS, ACC-α, Cidea and DGAT-1, as well as TG content induced by BHBA. Conclusion: The present data indicate that BHBA can significantly increase TG secretion mediated by SREBP1 in bovine mammary epithelial cells.
Suppression of Development of Ankylosing Spondylitis Through Soluble Flt-1
Authors: Yu Zhongxiang , Zhang Yuting , Gao Ningyang , Yong Kuang
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Circulating monocytes/macrophages are origins of osteoclasts that mediate the development of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Moreover, infiltrated macrophages facilitate the AS progression through production and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, suppression of the recruitment of circulating monocytes/macrophages may be an effective AS treatment, which is, however, not available so far in clinic. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) is a decoy receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to compete with VEGF receptor (VEGFR2) for VEGF binding in endothelial cells, while its application in treating AS and effects on the recruitment of circulating monocytes/macrophages has not been reported before. Methods: We used a proteoglycan-induced arthritis (PGIA) mouse model for human AS. We injected sFlt-1 into the articular cavity and evaluated its effects on PGIA by incidence of arthritis, and clinical and pathological arthritis severity. We isolated and analyzed macrophages and endothelial cells in the articular cavity before and after treatment. Results: Injection of sFlt-1 significantly decreased the incidence and severity of PGIA in mice, and significantly reduced the number of infiltrated macrophages, possibly through reduction of vessel permeability, in a VEGFR2-dependent manner. Conclusion: Our data suggest that sFlt-1 may have a therapeutic effect on AS, resulting from suppression of VEGF signaling-mediated recruitment of circulating monocytes/macrophages.
SNP Markers as Additional Information to Resolve Complex Kinship Cases
Authors: Pontes M. Lurdes , Fondevila Manuel , Laréu Maria Victoria , Medeiros Rui
Published: November 2015

Background: DNA profiling with sets of highly polymorphic autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) markers has been applied in various aspects of human identification in forensic casework for nearly 20 years. However, in some cases of complex kinship investigation, the information provided by the conventionally used STR markers is not enough, often resulting in low likelihood ratio (LR) calculations. In these cases, it becomes necessary to increment the number of loci under analysis to reach adequate LRs. Recently, it has been proposed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could be used as a supportive tool to STR typing, eventually even replacing the methods/markers now employed. Methods: In this work, we describe the results obtained in 7 revised complex paternity cases when applying a battery of STRs, as well as 52 human identification SNPs (SNPforID 52plex identification panel) using a SNaPshot methodology followed by capillary electrophoresis. Results: Our results show that the analysis of SNPs, as complement to STR typing in forensic casework applications, would at least increase by a factor of 4 total PI values and correspondent Essen-Möllerʼs W value. Conclusions: We demonstrated that SNP genotyping could be a key complement to STR information in challenging casework of disputed paternity, such as close relative individualization or complex pedigrees subject to endogamous relations.
Interleukin-17A Levels Vary in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Association with Their Age, Treatment and the Time of Evolution of the Disease
Authors: Guerrero-García José de Jesús , Castañeda-Moreno Víctor Andrés , Torres-Carrillo Norma , Muñoz-Valle José Francisco , Bitzer-Quintero Oscar Kurt , Ponce-Regalado María Dolores , Mireles-Ramírez Mario Alberto , Valle Yeminia , Ortuño-Sahagún Daniel
Published: November 2015

Objective: The present study was specifically designed to discern the possible existence of subgroups of patients with the relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis (RRMS) depending on their gender, age, disease stage (relapsing or remitting), time of disease evolution and response to different treatments. Methods: We analyzed samples from patients with RRMS (50 females and 32 males) and healthy individuals (25 matched for age and gender) and determined serum concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-17A. We stratified patients by gender, age, treatment and disease evolution time, and subsequently correlated these independent variables with the concentrations of the previously mentioned cytokines. Results: We provided initial evidence that treatment exerted possible differential effects depending on the time of disease duration. Results evidence the existence of different subgroups of patients with MS, who can be classified as follows: (a) male or female under or over 40 years of age; (b) disease duration according to treatment (under or over 8 years of disease); (c) classification according to fluctuating levels of IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-17A in the following three stages of disease evolution: <5 years, between 5 and 10 years, and >10 years. Conclusion: These subgroups must be taken into account for the clinical follow-up of patients with MS in order to provide them with a better and more personalized treatment, and also for a deep and detailed analysis of progressive disease, in an attempt to comprehend fluctuations and clinical variability by means of a better understanding of intrinsically physiological variables of the disease.
Successful Treatment of Intracranial Germ Cell Tumor: Report of Two Unusual Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Lee Ju Hyun , Woo In Sook , Cho Young Yun , Lee Won Jik , Han Deok Jae , Han Chi Wha , Jung Yun Hwa
Published: November 2015

Primary intracranial germ cell tumor (GCT) is a rare tumor that generally occurs due to developmental anomaly. Although intracranial GCT is sensitive to treatment, a high recurrence rate, treatment-related long-term complications and the heterogeneity of this tumor group make treatment complicated. Moreover, because of its location, hydrocephalus and visual field defect, functional disturbance of the pituitary gland can occur and require attention. Treatment primarily relies on chemotherapy and radiation therapy but the management of intracranial GCT remains unsettled, especially in the case of unusual circumstances such as multifocal tumor or nongerminomatous GCT. Here, we present two unusual cases of intracranial GCT: one case with a bifocal intracranial germinoma, and the other with an intracranial choriocarcinoma. Both cases were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by reduced-field radiation therapy without significant treatment-related complication. Further, we performed a PubMed search to investigate the appropriate treatment strategy for this unusual subtype of intracranial GCT.
Relationship between Abdominal Aortic Intima Media Thickness and Central Obesity in Children
Authors: Aylanç Hakan , Aylanç Nilüfer , Yıldırım Şule , Tekin Mustafa , Battal Fatih , Kaymaz Nazan , Binnetoğlu Fatih Köksal , Topaloğlu Naci , Türkön Hakan , Sürecek Fehime Erdem
Published: November 2015

Background: Childhood obesity is one of the important risk factors for early atherosclerosis. We aimed to evaluate the effect of obesity on abdominal aortic intima media thickness (aaIMT) in children. Methods: We consecutively recruited 60 obese and 28 healthy children from the outpatient clinic of pediatrics. In all patients, BMI, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) were measured, and fasting serum lipid profile, plasma glucose and plasma insulin were studied. Homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated for the obese group. All children underwent ultrasonography to evaluate hepatosteatosis and to measure aaIMT. Results: There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of aaIMT, insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride and hepatosteatosis. aaIMT was 1.12 ± 0.25 and 0.61 ± 0.18 mm in the obese and nonobese groups, respectively (p < 0.001). In the obese group, there was a positive correlation between aaIMT and WC, WC/height ratio, BMI, HC and hepatosteatosis (p < 0.05 for all), with the highest significance for WC. Conclusions: This study showed that aaIMT was significantly higher in obese children than in nonobese children, and that WC was a strong predictor for aaIMT. Early detection of an increased aaIMT in obese children may guide the follow-up of these patients in terms of developing atherosclerosis and its complications.
ERK1/2 Phosphorylation in the Rat Supraoptic Nucleus, Dorsal Raphe Nucleus, and Locus Coeruleus Neurons Following Noxious Stimulation to the Hind Paw
Authors: Donnerer Josef , Liebmann Ingrid
Published: November 2015

Phospho-ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) fluorescence-immunohistochemistry is specifically well suited to mirror neuronal activity in the pain pathway at the cellular level. This study employed this method to visualize neuronal activity in 3 rat CNS nuclei following an acute noxious stimulation. The rat hind paw was stimulated either by heat or by a sequence of mustard oil and heat. Two min after the thermal stimulation or after the combined mustard oil and thermal stimulation, there was a significant increase in cells showing pERK1/2 immunoreactivity in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), and in the locus coeruleus (LC). Pretreatment with the opioid analgesic morphine or the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist MK-801 markedly attenuated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These findings support the concept that the SON, the DRN, and the LC are integrated into pain processing at the hypothalamic and brain stem level.
The Effectiveness of Lactobacillus Beverages in Controlling Infections among the Residents of an Aged Care Facility: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Nagata Satoru , Asahara Takashi , Wang Chongxin , Suyama Yumi , Chonan Osamu , Takano Kikuo , Daibou Masashi , Takahashi Takuya , Nomoto Koji , Yamashiro Yuichiro
Published: November 2015

Backgrounds/Aims: To clarify the usefulness of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS)-fermented milk in the normalization of bowel movements and improvement of infection control for the elderly residents and staff of facilities for the elderly. Methods: A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind test was performed among the elderly residents (average age, 85) and staff members (average age, 37) of facilities for the elderly. The participants randomly received either LcS-fermented milk or a placebo beverage once daily for 6 months. Clinical data and enteric conditions were compared between the 2 groups. Results: A significantly lower incidence of fever and improved bowel movements were seen in the LcS-fermented milk group (n = 36) in comparison to the placebo group (n = 36). The numbers of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were significantly higher (p < 0.01), the numbers of destructive bacteria such as Clostridium difficile were significantly lower (p < 0.05), and the fecal acetic acid concentration and total acidity were significantly higher in the LcS group. A significant difference in the intestinal microbiota, fecal acetic acid, and pH was also observed between the LcS and placebo groups among the facility's staff members. Conclusions: The long-term consumption of LcS-fermented milk may be useful for decreasing the daily risk of infection and improving the quality of life among the residents and staff of facilities for the elderly.
Stroke in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Lanz Jonas , Brophy James M. , Therrien Judith , Kaouache Mohammed , Guo Liming , Marelli Ariane J.
Published: November 2015

Background—

Stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, although there is a lack of comprehensive data on its incidence, cumulative risk, and predictors in patients with adult congenital heart disease.

Methods and Results—

This retrospective study of 29 638 Quebec patients with adult congenital heart disease aged 18 to 64 years between 1998 and 2010 was based on province-wide administrative data. The cumulative risk of ischemic stroke estimated up to age 64 years was 6.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.0–7.0%) in women and 7.7% (95% CI, 6.4–8.8%) in men; the risk of hemorrhagic stroke was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.4–1.2%) and 1.3% (95% CI, 0.8–1.8%), respectively. Compared with rates reported for the general Quebec population, age-sex standardized incidence rates of ischemic stroke were 9 to 12 times higher below age 55 years and 2 to 4 times higher in the age group 55 to 64 years; hemorrhagic stroke rates were 5 to 6 times (age <55 years) and 2 to 3 times higher. Using a combination of stepwise model selection and Bayesian model averaging, the strongest predictors of ischemic stroke were heart failure (odds ratio for age group 18–49 years, 5.94 [95% CI, 3.49–10.14], odds ratio for age group 50–64 years, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.06–2.66]), diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 2.33 [95% CI, 1.66–3.28]), and recent myocardial infarction (odds ratio, 8.38 [95% CI, 1.77–39.58]).

Conclusions—

Among patients with adult congenital heart disease, 1 in 11 men and 1 in 15 women experienced a stroke between ages 18 and 64 years. Stroke incidence was considerably higher than in the general population, especially at a younger age. The most important predictors of ischemic stroke were heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and recent myocardial infarction. Additional research is required to see whether advances in the management of adult congenital heart disease may reduce this substantial stroke rate.
Maternal Cardiac Output and Fetal Doppler Predict Adverse Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Heart Disease
Authors: Wald Rachel M. , Silversides Candice K. , Kingdom John , Toi Ants , Lau Cathy S. , Mason Jennifer , Colman Jack M. , Sermer Mathew , Siu Samuel C.
Published: November 2015

Background

The mechanistic basis of the proposed relationship between maternal cardiac output and neonatal complications in pregnant women with heart disease has not been well elucidated.

Methods and Results

Pregnant women with cardiac disease and healthy pregnant women (controls) were prospectively followed with maternal echocardiography and obstetrical ultrasound scans at baseline, third trimester, and postpartum. Fetal/neonatal complications (death, small‐for‐gestational‐age or low birthweight, prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, or intraventricular hemorrhage) comprised the primary study outcome. One hundred and twenty‐seven women with cardiac disease and 45 healthy controls were enrolled. Neonatal events occurred in 28 pregnancies and were more frequent in the heart disease group as compared with controls (n=26/127 or 21% versus n=2/45 or 4%;
P
=0.01). Multiple complications in an infant were counted as a single outcome event. Neonatal complications in the heart disease group were small‐for‐gestational‐age/low birthweight (n=18), prematurity (n=14), and intraventricular hemorrhage/respiratory distress syndrome (n=5). Preexisting obstetric risk factors (
P
=0.003), maternal cardiac output decline from baseline to third trimester (
P
=0.017), and third trimester umbilical artery Doppler abnormalities (
P<
0.001) independently predicted neonatal complications and were incorporated into a novel risk index in which 0, 1, and >1 predictor corresponded to expected complication rates of 5%, 30%, and 76%, respectively.

Conclusions

Decline in maternal cardiac output during pregnancy and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler flows independently predict neonatal complications. These findings will enhance the identification of higher risk pregnancies that would benefit from close antenatal surveillance.
Learning Spatiotemporally Encoded Pattern Transformations in Structured Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Gardner Brian , Sporea Ioana , Grüning André
Published: November 2015

Information encoding in the nervous system is supported through the precise spike timings of neurons; however, an understanding of the underlying processes by which such representations are formed in the first place remains an open question. Here we examine how multilayered networks of spiking neurons can learn to encode for input patterns using a fully temporal coding scheme. To this end, we introduce a new supervised learning rule, MultilayerSpiker, that can train spiking networks containing hidden layer neurons to perform transformations between spatiotemporal input and output spike patterns. The performance of the proposed learning rule is demonstrated in terms of the number of pattern mappings it can learn, the complexity of network structures it can be used on, and its classification accuracy when using multispike-based encodings. In particular, the learning rule displays robustness against input noise and can generalize well on an example data set. Our approach contributes to both a systematic understanding of how computations might take place in the nervous system and a learning rule that displays strong technical capability.
Le codex Buslidianus des épopées de Stace
Authors: Berlincourt Valéry
Published: November 2015

Several readings of the codex Buslidianus of Statius are quoted from Bernartius (1595) and Gronovius (1653) in the recent edition by Hall, Ritchie and Edwards (2007-2008). This manuscript has not yet been identified, and the question whether Bernartius and Gronovius refer to the same manuscript or not has not been answered yet. By examining a collation made by Gronovius, it proves possible both to establish that the codex Buslidianus he used is a manuscript preserved at the Royal Library in The Hague (National Library of the Netherlands), and to suggest that Bernartius used the same source. These findings shed light on the history of the manuscript of The Hague, and they reveal that some readings of those folios that are now lost have been preserved by Gronovius.

Plusieurs leçons du codex Buslidianus de Stace sont citées d’après Bernartius (1595) et Gronovius (1653) dans la récente édition de Hall, Ritchie et Edwards (2007-2008). Ce manuscrit n’a pas encore été identifié, et la question de savoir si les éditeurs anciens se réfèrent ou non au même manuscrit n’a pas encore trouvé réponse. L’examen d’une collation effectuée par Gronovius permet de démontrer que le codex Buslidianus qu’il a utilisé est un manuscrit conservé à la Bibliothèque Royale de La Haye (Bibliothèque Nationale des Pays-Bas), et de suggérer que Bernartius a utilisé la même source. Ces découvertes éclairent l’histoire du manuscrit de La Haye, et elles révèlent que certaines leçons de ses feuillets aujourd’hui perdus ont été préservées par Gronovius.

This article is in French.
The Conflict of the Indicators
Authors: Buchely Lina
Published: November 2015

This text presents a critique of the version of the Colombian conflict constructed by Law 1448 of 2011 and the indicators designed to evaluate its implementation. The principal argument is that the text of the law and the indicators used have produced, consolidated and normalized an exclusionary vision of the armed conflict and created an exotic idea of the conflict, centred on the rural and the distant, ignoring its nearby, everyday nature. This exotic concept of the conflict is linked to the way in which the model of transitional justice has been constructed and globalized. The text is based on a case study carried out in Cali, the capital of the Department of Valle del Cauca, and currently the most violent urban centre in the country. The conclusion of the paper is that indicators are not only measures — they shape reality and profoundly impact people’s lives.
The Taming of the Shrill: From Indicators to Indicatorization
Authors: Airey Siobhán
Published: November 2015

This article addresses the specific norm-generation function of indicators in a human rights context, focusing on ways that indicators foreground and legitimize as ‘truth’ particular worldviews or values. It describes the stakes of this process through elaborating on the concept of ‘indicatorization’, focusing on one moment in which the relationship between human rights and development was defined through indicators: the indicatorization of the Right to Development by a un High Level Task Force in 2010. In this initiative, different perspectives on human rights, equality, participation and development from within the un and the World Bank were brought together. This resulted in a subtle but significant re-articulation of ideas contained in the 1986 un Declaration on the Right to Development. The article argues that how indicatorization happens, matters, and has important implications for the potential role of human rights discourse within international economic relations.
An Inquiry into the Life and Death of Indicators
Authors: Guimezanes Marie
Published: November 2015

This article identifies the actors and dynamics involved in the process of ‘indicatorization’ in the aid effectiveness regime, from the initial decision to use indicators to the impact the indicators’ monitoring produces. It contributes to the existing and growing literature on indicators, and gives a specific example of the use of indicators in global governance. Because of its iterative perspective, the aid effectiveness regime enables an analysis of the trial and error process in the making of indicators and of the interplay of different actors, mainly States and international organizations, over time. This case study shows how actors can ‘play’ with indicators that are supposed to define their actions, and ultimately the tension that might exist between the indicator’s logic (the uniformity of the numerical measurement) and the regime principles, based on the ownership paradigm.
Splitting the Baby
Authors: Sarvarian Arman
Published: November 2015

This article examines the review of un Security Council resolutions by the European Court of Human Rights. Analysing recent decisions in the Nada and al-Dulimi cases against the background of the conclusion of the long-running Kadi saga, it builds upon the wealth of literature on the subject by proposing a theoretical basis for incidental review. It argues that the ECtHR directly review the lawfulness of an impugned resolution against a customary human rights standard, which would determine the applicability of Article 103 of the un Charter to displace those Convention rights that are not accepted in custom by modifying the Bosphorus doctrine of equivalent protection to one of ‘adequate protection’. It thereby argues that it is possible to compromise between what are at present diametrically polarised positions, thus transcending from the issue of the power to judicially review to that of the standard or intensity of review. It would thus become possible to not only embed the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights in the wider legal system but also to increase bottom-up pressure to entrench the protection of basic human rights in un Security Council practice.