bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a gastric carcinoid tumor following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for early T‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Chang Tsung‐Yen , Lai Jin‐Yao , Wang Chao‐Jan , Chen Shih‐Yen , Jaing Tang‐Her , Hsueh Chuen , Shih Lee‐Yung , Chen Shih‐Hsiang
Published: March 2017

Gastric carcinoid tumor is rarely diagnosed in children. We report a case of gastric carcinoid tumor that occurred after allogeneic HSCT. A 13‐year‐old girl with ETP acute lymphoblastic leukemia underwent allogeneic HSCT from a 7/8 HLA‐matched unrelated donor. She presented with rashes, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which were suggestive of GVHD, 7 months after HSCT. Immunosuppressive agents failed to resolve these symptoms well. After a series of evaluations, carcinoid syndrome caused by a gastric carcinoid tumor was diagnosed. The tumor was located in the antral region and resulted in partial gastric outlet obstruction. She received subtotal gastrectomy with regional lymph node dissection. However, she had a flare‐up of GVHD 1 month after surgery, and immunosuppressive therapy was intensified accordingly. Although her GVHD was getting better, she developed respiratory syncytial viral pneumonia with rapid progression to respiratory failure. She died of multiple organ failure 2 months postoperatively. This is the first pediatric case of a gastric carcinoid tumor following allogeneic HSCT. Our case also highlights the necessity for pediatric transplant physicians to be aware of carcinoid syndrome caused by this rare tumor in the setting of GVHD with poor response to immunosuppressive agents.
In vitro characterization of cell‐level neurophysiological diversity in the rostral nucleus reuniens of adult mice
Authors: Walsh Darren A. , Brown Jonathan T. , Randall Andrew D.
Published: March 2017

Key points

The nucleus reuniens (Re), a nucleus of the midline thalamus, is part of a cognitive network including the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex. To date, very few studies have examined the electrophysiological properties of Re neurons at a cellular level.

The majority of Re neurons exhibit spontaneous action potential firing at rest. This is independent of classical amino‐acid mediated synaptic transmission. When driven by various forms of depolarizing current stimulus, Re neurons display considerable diversity in their firing patterns. As a result of the presence of a low threshold Ca2+ channel, spike output functions are strongly modulated by the prestimulus membrane potential.

Finally, we describe a novel form of activity‐dependant intrinsic plasticity that eliminates the high‐frequency burst firing present in many Re neurons.

These results provide a comprehensive summary of the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of Re neurons allowing us to better consider the role of the Re in cognitive processes.

The nucleus reuniens (Re) is the largest of the midline thalamic nuclei. We have performed a detailed neurophysiological characterization of neurons in the rostral Re of brain slices prepared from adult male mice. At resting potential (−63.7 ± 0.6 mV), ∼90% of Re neurons fired action potentials, typically continuously at ∼8 Hz. Although Re neurons experience a significant spontaneous barrage of fast, amino‐acid‐mediate synaptic transmission, this was not predominantly responsible for spontaneous spiking because firing persisted in the presence of glutamate and GABA receptor antagonists. With resting potential preset to −80 mV, −20 pA current injections revealed a mean input resistance of 615 MΩ and a mean time constant of 38 ms. Following cessation of this stimulus, a significant rebound potential was seen that was sometimes sufficiently large to trigger a short burst of very high frequency (100–300 Hz) firing. In most cells, short (2 ms), strong (2 nA) current injections elicited a single spike followed by a large afterdepolarizing potential which, when suprathreshold, generated high‐frequency spiking. Similarly, in the majority of cells preset at −80 mV, 500 ms depolarizing current injections to cells led to a brief initial burst of very high‐frequency firing, although this was lost when cells were preset at −72 mV. Biophysical and pharmacological experiments indicate a prominent role for T‐type Ca2+ channels in the high‐frequency bursting of Re neurons. Finally, we describe a novel form of activity‐dependent intrinsic plasticity that persistently eliminates the burst firing potential of Re neurons.
Effect of temperature on life table parameters of Phytoseius plumifer (Phytoseiidae) fed on Eotetranychus hirsti (Tetranychidae)
Authors: Shakarami Jahanshir , Bazgir Fereshteh
Published: March 2017

Eotetranychus hirsti Pritchard & Baker (Tetranychidae) is one of the important pests of fig trees that is widely distributed in fig orchards of Iran. The predatory mite Phytoseius plumifer Canestrini & Fanzago is a phytoseiid mite on fig that can feed and reproduce on E. hirsti. The effect of four constant temperatures (20, 25, 30 and 35°C) on demographic parameters of P. plumifer fed on nymphal stages of E. hirstiwas determined under laboratory conditions at 50 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (L: D). The total developmental time of immature stages of this predator decreased with increasing temperature from 20°C to 35°C, and varied from 17.13±0.23 to 6.55±0.19 days for females. The lower temperature threshold (Tmin) and thermal constant (K) for the total immature stages of this predator was estimated 10.33˚C and 166.67 degree-days by the ordinary linear model, 11.17˚C and 147.87 degree-days by the Ikemoto linear model, respectively. Female longevity was 67.79, 47.00, 35.11, and 27.42 days at 20, 25, 30 and 35°C, respectively. The highest values of total fecundity and daily fecundity were obtained at 25˚C (35.71±1.73 eggs) and 30˚C (1.57±0.02 eggs), respectively. The value of the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) increased as increasing temperature from 20°C (0.064±0.0012 day−1) to 30°C (0.180±0.0023 day−1), and then decreased at 35°C (0.153±0.0037 day−1). The highest and lowest values of the mean generation time (T) were 32.75±0.95 and 14.18±0.51 days, which were obtained at 20°C and 35°C, respectively. The results of this study revealed that of P. plumifer is effective predator of the fig spider mite and develops effectively at a broad range of temperatures.
Improved estimates of ocean heat content from 1960 to 2015
Authors: Cheng Lijing , Trenberth Kevin E. , Fasullo John , Boyer Tim , Abraham John , Zhu Jiang
Published: March 2017

A new assessment of how much heat Earth has accumulated since 1960 is made by examining ocean heat content changes.
Cardiac myosin binding protein-C Ser
302
phosphorylation regulates cardiac β-adrenergic reserve
Authors: Mamidi Ranganath , Gresham Kenneth S. , Li Jiayang , Stelzer Julian E.
Published: March 2017

MyBP-C Ser
302
phosphorylation regulates access to cardiac contractile reserve in response to increased β-adrenergic stimulation.
Mechanisms of Inactivation of Dry Escherichia coli by High-Pressure Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Chen Yuan Yao , Temelli Feral , Gänzle Michael G.
Published: March 2017

High-pressure carbon dioxide processing is a promising technology for nonthermal food preservation. However, few studies have determined the lethality of high-pressure CO
2
on dry bacterial cells, and the mechanism of inactivation remains unknown. This study explored the mechanisms of inactivation by using
Escherichia coli
AW1.7 and mutant strains differing in heat and acid resistance, in membrane composition based on disruption of the locus of heat resistance, and in genes coding for glutamate decarboxylases and cyclopropane fatty acid synthase. The levels of lethality of treatments with liquid, gaseous, and supercritical CO
2
were compared. The cell counts of
E. coli
AW1.7 and mutants with a water activity (a
W
) of 1.0 were reduced by more than 3 log
10
(CFU/ml) after supercritical CO
2
treatment at 35°C for 15 min; increasing the pressure generally enhanced inactivation, except for
E. coli
AW1.7 Δ
gadAB
.
E. coli
AW1.7 Δ
cfa
was more susceptible than
E. coli
AW1.7 after treatment at 10 and 40 MPa; other mutations did not affect survival. Dry cells of
E. coli
were resistant to treatments with supercritical and liquid CO
2
at any temperature. Treatments with gaseous CO
2
at 65°C were more bactericidal than those with supercritical CO
2
or treatments at 65°C only. Remarkably,
E. coli
AW1.7 was more susceptible than
E. coli
AW1.7 Δ
cfa
when subjected to the gaseous CO
2
treatment. This study identified CO
2
-induced membrane fluidization and permeabilization as causes of supercritical mediated microbial inactivation, and diffusivity was a dominant factor for gaseous CO
2
.

IMPORTANCE
The safety of dry foods is of increasing concern for public health. Desiccated microorganisms, including pathogens, remain viable over long periods of storage and generally tolerate environmental insults that are lethal to the same organisms at high water activity. This study explored the use of high-pressure carbon dioxide to determine its lethality for dried
Escherichia coli
and to provide insight into the mechanisms of inactivation. The lethality of high-pressure CO
2
and the mechanisms of CO
2
-mediated inactivation of dry
E. coli
depended on the physical state of CO
2
. Liquid and supercritical CO
2
were ineffective in reducing the cell counts of dry
E. coli
isolates, and the effectiveness of gaseous CO
2
was related to the diffusivity of CO
2
. Results provide a novel and alternative method for the food industry to enhance the safety of low a
W
products.
Degradation of Diphenyl Ether in Sphingobium phenoxybenzoativorans SC_3 Is Initiated by a Novel Ring Cleavage Dioxygenase
Authors: Cai Shu , Chen Li-Wei , Ai Yu-Chun , Qiu Ji-Guo , Wang Cheng-Hong , Shi Chao , He Jian , Cai Tian-Ming
Published: March 2017

Sphingobium phenoxybenzoativorans
SC_3 degrades and utilizes diphenyl ether (DE) or 2-carboxy-DE as its sole carbon and energy source. In this study, we report the degradation of DE and 2-carboxy-DE initiated by a novel ring cleavage angular dioxygenase (diphenyl ether dioxygenase [Dpe]) in the strain. Dpe functions at the angular carbon and its adjacent carbon (C-1a, C-2) of a benzene ring in DE (or the 2-carboxybenzene ring in 2-carboxy-DE) and cleaves the C-1a—C-2 bond (decarboxylation occurs simultaneously for 2-carboxy-DE), yielding 2,4-hexadienal phenyl ester, which is subsequently hydrolyzed to muconic acid semialdehyde and phenol. Dpe is a type IV Rieske non-heme iron oxygenase (RHO) and consists of three components: a hetero-oligomer oxygenase, a [2Fe-2S]-type ferredoxin, and a glutathione reductase (GR)-type reductase. Genetic analyses revealed that
dpeA1A2
plays an essential role in the degradation and utilization of DE and 2-carboxy-DE in
S. phenoxybenzoativorans
SC_3. Enzymatic study showed that transformation of 1 molecule of DE needs two molecules of oxygen and two molecules of NADH, supporting the assumption that the cleavage of DE catalyzed by Dpe is a continuous two-step dioxygenation process: DE is dioxygenated at C-1a and C-2 to form a hemiacetal-like intermediate, which is further deoxygenated, resulting in the cleavage of the C-1a—C-2 bond to form one molecule of 2,4-hexadienal phenyl ester and two molecules of H
2
O. This study extends our knowledge of the mode and mechanism of ring cleavage of aromatic compounds.

IMPORTANCE
Benzene ring cleavage, catalyzed by dioxygenase, is the key and speed-limiting step in the aerobic degradation of aromatic compounds. As previously reported, in the ring cleavage of DEs, the benzene ring needs to be first dihydroxylated at a lateral position and subsequently dehydrogenated and opened through extradiol cleavage. This process requires three enzymes (two dioxygenases and one dehydrogenase). In this study, we identified a novel angular dioxygenase (Dpe) in
S. phenoxybenzoativorans
SC_3. Under Dpe-mediated catalysis, the benzene ring of DE is dioxygenated at the angular position (C-1a, C-2), resulting in the cleavage of the C-1a—C-2 bond to generate a novel product, 2,4-hexadienal phenyl ester. This process needs only one angular dioxygenase, Dpe. Thus, the ring cleavage catalyzed by Dpe represents a novel mechanism of benzene ring cleavage.
Simultaneous Decolorization and Biohydrogen Production from Xylose by Klebsiella oxytoca GS-4-08 in the Presence of Azo Dyes with Sulfonate and Carboxyl Groups
Authors: Yu Lei , Cao Ming-yue , Wang Peng-tao , Wang Shi , Yue Ying-rong , Yuan Wen-duo , Qiao Wei-chuan , Wang Fei , Song Xin
Published: March 2017

Biohydrogen production from the pulp and paper effluent containing rich lignocellulosic material could be achieved by the fermentation process. Xylose, an important hemicellulose hydrolysis product, is used less efficiently as a substrate for biohydrogen production. Moreover, azo dyes are usually added to fabricate anticounterfeiting paper, which further increases the complexity of wastewater. This study reports that xylose could serve as the sole carbon source for a pure culture of
Klebsiella oxytoca
GS-4-08 to achieve simultaneous decolorization and biohydrogen production. With 2 g liter
−1
of xylose as the substrate, a maximum xylose utilization rate (UR
xyl
) and a hydrogen molar yield (HMY) of 93.99% and 0.259 mol of H
2
mol of xylose
−1
, respectively, were obtained. Biohydrogen kinetics and electron equivalent (
e
−
equiv) balance calculations indicated that methyl red (MR) penetrates and intracellularly inhibits both the pentose phosphate pathway and pyruvate fermentation pathway, while methyl orange (MO) acted independently of the glycolysis and biohydrogen pathway. The data demonstrate that biohydrogen pathways in the presence of azo dyes with sulfonate and carboxyl groups were different, but the azo dyes could be completely reduced during the biohydrogen production period in the presence of MO or MR. The feasibility of hydrogen production from industrial pulp and paper effluent by the strain if the xylose is sufficient was also proved and was not affected by toxic substances which usually exist in such wastewater, except for chlorophenol. This study offers a promising energy-recycling strategy for treating pulp and paper wastewaters, especially for those containing azo dyes.

IMPORTANCE
The pulp and paper industry is a major industry in many developing countries, and the global market of pulp and paper wastewater treatment is expected to increase by 60% between 2012 and 2020. Such wastewater contains large amounts of refractory contaminants, such as lignin, whose reclamation is considered economically crucial and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, azo dyes are usually added in order to fabricate anticounterfeiting paper, which further increases the complexity of the pulp and paper wastewater. This work may offer a better understanding of biohydrogen production from xylose in the presence of azo dyes and provide a promising energy-recycling method for treating pulp and paper wastewater, especially for those containing azo dyes.
Pirated Siderophores Promote Sporulation in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Grandchamp Gabrielle M. , Caro Lews , Shank Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2017

In microbial communities, bacteria chemically and physically interact with one another. Some of these interactions are mediated by secreted specialized metabolites that act as either intraspecies or interspecies signals to alter gene expression and to change cell physiology.
Bacillus subtilis
is a well-characterized soil microbe that can differentiate into multiple cell types, including metabolically dormant endospores. We were interested in identifying microbial interactions that affected sporulation in
B. subtilis
. Using a fluorescent transcriptional reporter, we observed that coculturing
B. subtilis
with
Escherichia coli
promoted sporulation gene expression via a secreted metabolite. To identify the active compound, we screened the
E. coli
Keio Collection and identified the sporulation-accelerating cue as the siderophore enterobactin.
B. subtilis
has multiple iron acquisition systems that are used to take up the
B. subtilis-
produced siderophore bacillibactin, as well as to pirate exogenous siderophores such as enterobactin. While
B. subtilis
uses a single substrate binding protein (FeuA) to take up both bacillibactin and enterobactin, we discovered that it requires two distinct genes to sporulate in response to these siderophores (the esterase gene
besA
for bacillibactin and a putative esterase gene,
ybbA
, for enterobactin). In addition, we found that siderophores from a variety of other microbial species also promote sporulation in
B. subtilis
. Our results thus demonstrate that siderophores can act not only as bacterial iron acquisition systems but also as interspecies cues that alter cellular development and accelerate sporulation in
B. subtilis
.

IMPORTANCE
While much is known about the genetic regulation of
Bacillus subtilis
sporulation, little is understood about how other bacteria influence this process. This work describes an interaction between
Escherichia coli
and
B. subtilis
that accelerates sporulation in
B. subtilis
. The interaction is mediated by the
E. coli
siderophore enterobactin; we show that other species' siderophores also promote sporulation gene expression in
B. subtilis
. These results suggest that siderophores not only may supply bacteria with the mineral nutrient iron but also may play a role in bacterial interspecies signaling, providing a cue for sporulation. Siderophores are produced by many bacterial species and thus potentially play important roles in altering bacterial cell physiology in diverse environments.
Use of Bacteria To Stabilize Archaeological Iron
Authors: Comensoli Lucrezia , Maillard Julien , Albini Monica , Sandoz Frederic , Junier Pilar , Joseph Edith
Published: March 2017

Iron artifacts are common among the findings of archaeological excavations. The corrosion layer formed on these objects requires stabilization after their recovery, without which the destruction of the item due to physicochemical damage is likely. Current technologies for stabilizing the corrosion layer are lengthy and generate hazardous waste products. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an alternative method for stabilizing the corrosion layer on iron objects. The aim of this study was to evaluate an alternative conservation-restoration method using bacteria. For this, anaerobic iron reduction leading to the formation of stable iron minerals in the presence of chlorine was investigated for two strains of
Desulfitobacterium hafniense
(strains TCE1 and LBE). Iron reduction was observed for soluble Fe(III) phases as well as for akaganeite, the most troublesome iron compound in the corrosion layer of archaeological iron objects. In terms of biogenic mineral production, differential efficiencies were observed in assays performed on corroded iron coupons. Strain TCE1 produced a homogeneous layer of vivianite covering 80% of the corroded surface, while on the coupons treated with strain LBE, only 10% of the surface was covered by the same mineral. Finally, an attempt to reduce iron on archaeological objects was performed with strain TCE1, which led to the formation of both biogenic vivianite and magnetite on the surface of the artifacts. These results demonstrate the potential of this biological treatment for stabilizing archaeological iron as a promising alternative to traditional conservation-restoration methods.

IMPORTANCE
Since the Iron Age, iron has been a fundamental material for the building of objects used in everyday life. However, due to its reactivity, iron can be easily corroded, and the physical stability of the object built is at risk. This is particularly true for archaeological objects on which a potentially unstable corrosion layer is formed during the time the object is buried. After excavation, changes in environmental conditions (e.g., higher oxygen concentration or lower humidity) alter the stability of the corrosion layer and can lead to the total destruction of the object. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative treatment based on bacterial iron reduction and biogenic mineral formation to stabilize the corrosion layer and protect these objects.
Exploring stroke survivors' and physiotherapists' views of self-management after stroke: a qualitative study in the UK
Authors: Sadler Euan , Wolfe Charles D A , Jones Fiona , McKevitt Christopher
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Stroke is a sudden-onset condition with long-term consequences. Self-management could help address long-term consequences of stroke. Stroke survivors' and health professionals' views of self-management may vary, limiting the successful introduction of self-management strategies. This paper explores stroke survivors' and physiotherapists' views of self-management, focusing on what self-management means, and factors perceived to enable and hinder self-management after stroke, to draw out implications for policy, practice and future research.

Design

Qualitative study using semistructured interviews and a thematic analysis approach.

Setting

Stroke unit and community stroke-rehabilitation services in London, UK.

Participants

13 stroke survivors (8 men and 5 women; aged 53–89 years) admitted to a London stroke unit. 13 physiotherapists: 8 working in an inpatient stroke unit and 5 in community rehabilitation.

Results

Key differences were evident in how self-management was understood between these groups. Stroke survivors were unfamiliar with the term self-management, but most could provide their own definition and relate to the term, and understood it as care of the self: ‘doing things for yourself’ and ‘looking after yourself’. They did not recognise self-management as part of their care, but valued therapists as encouraging experts in supporting their recovery after stroke. Physiotherapists commonly understood self-management as a process in which stroke survivors were expected to take an active role in their rehabilitation and manage their recovery and health, with different understandings of self-management among physiotherapists shaped by the context in which they worked. They reported that individual, social and organisational factors enable and hinder self-management after stroke, with individual and organisational barriers particularly evident in the early stages.

Conclusions

If self-management support approaches are to be used, further work is required to explore the language and strategies used by professionals to support self-management, and the barriers to supporting self-management at different time points after stroke.
Systematic literature review and network meta-analysis in highly active relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis and rapidly evolving severe multiple sclerosis
Authors: Huisman Eline , Papadimitropoulou Katerina , Jarrett James , Bending Matthew , Firth Zoe , Allen Felicity , Adlard Nick
Published: March 2017

Objective

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, neurodegenerative autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system. Relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common clinical form of MS and affects ∼85% of cases at onset. Highly active (HA) and rapidly evolving severe (RES) RRMS are 2 forms of RRMS amenable to disease-modifying therapies (DMT). This study explored the efficacy of fingolimod relative to other DMTs for the treatment of HA and RES RRMS.

Methods

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify published randomised controlled trials in HA and RES RRMS. Identified evidence was vetted, and a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed to evaluate the relative efficacy of fingolimod versus dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in HA RRMS and versus natalizumab in RES RRMS.

Results

For HA RRMS, the SLR identified 2 studies with relevant patient subgroup data: 1 comparing fingolimod with placebo and the other comparing DMF with placebo. 3 studies were found for RES RRMS: 1 comparing fingolimod with placebo and 2 studies comparing natalizumab with placebo. NMA results in the HA population showed a favourable numerical trend of fingolimod versus DMF assessed for annualised relapse rate (ARR) and 3-month confirmed disability progression. For the RES population, the results identified an increase of ARR and 3-month confirmed disability progression for fingolimod versus natalizumab (not statistically significant). Sparse study data and the consequently high uncertainty around the estimates restricted our ability to demonstrate statistical significance in the studied subgroups.

Conclusions

Data limitations are apparent when conducting an informative indirect comparison for the HA and RES RRMS subgroups as the subgroups analyses were retrospective analyses of studies powered to indicate differences across entire study populations. Comparisons across treatments in HA or RES RRMS will be associated with high levels of uncertainty until new data are collected for these subgroups.
Early Aspirin administration post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery – Changing hospital culture through a two-cycled audit
Authors: Parikh Shefali , Ratnasingham Justin
Published: March 2017

“Early Aspirin” or a medium dose of aspirin 6 hours after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery is strongly recommend by international guidelines (EACTS 2007/AHA 2011 guidelines, Level1a evidence) to protect venous graft patency. However, compliance with Early Aspirin prescription at our centre is poor due to long standing hospital cultural practices and lack of awareness.

We completed a two-cycled retrospective audit of 53 (September 2015 Baseline), 65 (January 2016 First Cycle) and 58 (June 2016 Second Cycle) consecutive CABG patients. Interval interventions included educational presentations, educational leaflets/posters, pharmacy liaison and modifications to e-prescription order-sets. Medical, nursing and pharmacy staff were involved in the audit strategies. Early aspirin prescription improved from 23% to 48% to 55% while administration of Early Aspirin improved from 17% to 38% and finally to 48% by second improvement cycle. Significantly, the proportion of patients with omission of early aspirin despite a clear clinical indication, decreased by 50% over the audit period. Important practical considerations were the last dose of anti-platelets preoperatively and amount of of bleeding from mediastinal drains post operatively. A multidisciplinary team based approach led to a 139% improvement in prescription and 182% improvement in administration of “Early Aspirin” after CABG surgery.
What do emergency physicians in charge do? A qualitative observational study
Authors: Hosking Ian , Boyle Adrian , Ahmed Vazeer , Clarkson John
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The emergency physician in charge role has developed in many large EDs to assist with patient flow. We aimed to describe and classify the problem-solving actions that this role requires.

Methods

We interviewed senior emergency physicians and performed iterative, qualitative observations, using continuous reflective inquiry, in a single centre. We reviewed and classified these approaches by consensus.

Results

Nine different problem-solving approaches were identified. These are deflecting, front loading, placing, plucking, flooding, targeting, chasing, guiding and juggling. These are useful for training and developing our understanding of how to manage an ED.

Conclusions

Emergency physicians in charge have a number of problem-solving approaches that can be readily defined. We have described and categorised these. These results are potentially useful for developing decision support software.
Potential contribution of lifestyle and socioeconomic factors to healthy user bias in antihypertensives and lipid-lowering drugs
Authors: Kinjo Mitsuyo , Chia-Cheng Lai Edward , Korhonen Maarit Jaana , McGill Rita L , Setoguchi Soko
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Healthy user bias arises when users of preventive medications such as lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs), hormone replacement therapy and antihypertensive (AH) medications are healthier than non-users due to factors other than medication effects, making the medications appear more beneficial in observational studies of effectiveness and safety. The purpose of the study is to examine factors contributing to healthy user effect in patients taking AHs or LLDs.

Methods

Among patients with hypertension or hyperlipidaemia in a population-based sample from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2010), we assessed the association between socioeconomic and lifestyle factors and the use of AHs/LLDs by logistic regression with adjustment for demographics and comorbidities in a cross-sectional study.

Results

When 9715 AH/LLD users were compared with 3725 non-users, AH/LLD users were more likely to be: highly educated (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.3), non-impoverished (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.4), current non-smokers (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4), physically active (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.2) and consume more calcium (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.3) but less likely to have normal body mass index (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.7) or to meet dietary sodium recommendations (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 0.9).

Conclusions

We identified several salutary lifestyle factors associated with AH/LLD use in a representative US population. Healthy user effect may be partly explained by better socioeconomic profiles and lifestyles in AH/LLD users compared with non-users.
Comparable effect of aliskiren or a diuretic added on an angiotensin II receptor blocker on augmentation index in hypertension: a multicentre, prospective, randomised study
Authors: Miyoshi Toru , Murakami Takashi , Sakuragi Satoru , Doi Masayuki , Nanba Seiji , Mima Atsushi , Tominaga Youkou , Oka Takafumi , Kajikawa Yutaka , Nakamura Kazufumi , Ito Hiroshi
Published: March 2017

Background

The effects of antihypertensive drug combination therapy on central blood pressure (BP) and augmentation index (AI) have not been fully elucidated. We investigated the effects of the direct renin inhibitor, aliskiren, or a diuretic added to an angiotensin II receptor blocker on AI in patients with essential hypertension.

Methods

A 24-week, prospective, multicentre, randomised, open-label study enrolled 103 patients already treated with valsartan. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either valsartan with aliskiren (V+A), or valsartan with trichlormethiazide (V+T). The primary outcome was the change in AI derived from radial artery tonometry. Secondary outcome measures included systolic and diastolic BP, cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI, which reflects arterial stiffness) and urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine concentration.

Results

After 24 weeks, systolic and diastolic BP were significantly reduced in both groups to a broadly comparable extent. There was no significant difference in AI at the end of the study between the V+A group and the V+T group (between-group difference: −2.3%, 95% CI −6.9% to 2.2%, p=0.31). Central BP at the end of the study also did not differ between the two groups (p=0.62). There was no significant difference in the CAVI between the groups at the end of the study. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine concentration was significantly lower in the V+A group than in the V+T group (p<0.01), suggesting that V+A attenuated oxidative stress more than V+T.

Conclusion

The combination of valsartan and aliskiren had an effect on AI comparable with that of the combination of valsartan and trichlormethiazide.

UMIN Clinical Trial Registration number

UMIN000005726.
A novel role for miR-133a in centrally mediated activation of the renin-angiotensin system in congestive heart failure
Authors: Sharma Neeru M. , Nandi Shyam S. , Zheng Hong , Mishra Paras K. , Patel Kaushik P.
Published: March 2017

An activated renin-angiotensin system (RAS) within the central nervous system has been implicated in sympathoexcitation during various disease conditions including congestive heart failure (CHF). In particular, activation of the RAS in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus has been recognized to augment sympathoexcitation in CHF. We observed a 2.6-fold increase in angiotensinogen (AGT) in the PVN of CHF. To elucidate the molecular mechanism for increased expression of AGT, we performed in silico analysis of the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of AGT and found a potential binding site for microRNA (miR)-133a. We hypothesized that decreased miR-133a might contribute to increased AGT in the PVN of CHF rats. Overexpression of miR-133a in NG108 cells resulted in 1.4- and 1.5-fold decreases in AGT and angiotensin type II (ANG II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) mRNA levels, respectively. A luciferase reporter assay performed on NG108 cells confirmed miR-133a binding to the 3′-UTR of AGT. Consistent with these in vitro data, we observed a 1.9-fold decrease in miR-133a expression with a concomitant increase in AGT and AT1R expression within the PVN of CHF rats. Furthermore, restoring the levels of miR-133a within the PVN of CHF rats with viral transduction resulted in a significant reduction of AGT (1.4-fold) and AT1R (1.5-fold) levels with a concomitant decrease in basal renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). Restoration of miR-133a also abrogated the enhanced RSNA responses to microinjected ANG II within the PVN of CHF rats. These results reveal a novel and potentially unique role for miR-133a in the regulation of ANG II within the PVN of CHF rats, which may potentially contribute to the commonly observed sympathoexcitation in CHF.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Angiotensinogen (AGT) expression is upregulated in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus through posttranscriptional mechanism interceded by microRNA-133a in heart failure. Understanding the mechanism of increased expression of AGT in pathological conditions leading to increased sympathoexcitation may provide the basis for the possible development of new therapeutic agents with enhanced specificity.
Leveraging Battery Usage from Mobile Devices for Active Authentication
Authors: Spooren Jan , Preuveneers Davy , Joosen Wouter
Published: March 2017

Active authentication is the practice of continuously verifying the identity of users, based on their context, interactions with a system, and information provided by that system. In this paper, we investigate if battery charge readings from mobile devices can be used as an extra factor to improve active authentication. We make use of a large data set of battery charge readings from real users and construct two computationally inexpensive machine learning classifiers to predict if a user session is authentic: the first one only based on the battery charge at a certain time of day; the second one predicts the authenticity of the user session when a previous, recent battery charge reading is available. Our research shows that a simple two-figure battery charge value can make a useful albeit minor contribution to active authentication.
Biomechanical Evaluation of a Tooth Restored with High Performance Polymer PEKK Post-Core System: A 3D Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Lee Ki-Sun , Shin Joo-Hee , Kim Jong-Eun , Kim Jee-Hwan , Lee Won-Chang , Shin Sang-Wan , Lee Jeong-Yol
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical behavior and long-term safety of high performance polymer PEKK as an intraradicular dental post-core material through comparative finite element analysis (FEA) with other conventional post-core materials. A 3D FEA model of a maxillary central incisor was constructed. A cyclic loading force of 50 N was applied at an angle of 45° to the longitudinal axis of the tooth at the palatal surface of the crown. For comparison with traditionally used post-core materials, three materials (gold, fiberglass, and PEKK) were simulated to determine their post-core properties. PEKK, with a lower elastic modulus than root dentin, showed comparably high failure resistance and a more favorable stress distribution than conventional post-core material. However, the PEKK post-core system showed a higher probability of debonding and crown failure under long-term cyclic loading than the metal or fiberglass post-core systems.
Ensuring the First Breath: A Growing Accountability of Midwifery in Bangladesh
Authors: Masoom Muhammad Rehan
Published: March 2017

Successful women empowerment relies on providing quality infrastructure facilities to avail maternal healthcare on the national level. In this regard, ensuring women’s access to quality midwifery services is an important consideration. The major intervention for safe maternity is to be enhanced to enable the presence of the skilled midwifery to ensure the quality emergency obstetric care. Therefore, the scope of practice of a midwife is very critical in the supervision of the orderly physiological processes of pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum phase. The midwife as an autonomous practitioner is expected to be competent and accountable for her practice. In Bangladesh, the number of women having the baby at home by unskilled personnel is quite high. Therefore, the government strives to educate midwives and commits to reducing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity. This study explores the contemporary situation of maternity health to provide a critical understanding of the growing importance of the role of midwifery in Bangladesh. With this, the paper examines the way maternity services in Bangladesh transformed from a social to a medical model over the twentieth century and infers how the social agenda was part of this process.
An Uncommon Cause of a Small-Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Zakaria Ali , Al Share Bayan , Turk Issam , Ahsan Samira , Farra Waseem
Published: March 2017

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology, characterized by the formation of noncaseating granulomas. Gastrointestinal (GI) system involvement that is clinically recognizable occurs in less than 0.9% of patients with sarcoidosis, with data revealing small intestine involvement in 0.03% of the cases. A high index of suspension is required in patients presenting with small-bowel obstruction and previous history of sarcoidosis. Establishing a definitive diagnosis of GI sarcoidosis depends on biopsy evidence of noncaseating granulomas, exclusion of other causes of granulomatous disease, and evidence of sarcoidosis in at least one other organ system. Treatment of GI sarcoidosis depends on symptomatology and disease activity. Herein, we are presenting a case of 67-year-old female patient who had acute small-bowel obstruction at the level of jejunum with postoperative histopathologic evidence of noncaseating granulomatous inflammation with multinucleated giant cells, consistent with sarcoidosis.
Role of Gasotransmitters in Oxidative Stresses, Neuroinflammation, and Neuronal Repair
Authors: Shefa Ulfuara , Yeo Seung Geun , Kim Min-Sik , Song In Ok , Jung Junyang , Jeong Na Young , Huh Youngbuhm
Published: March 2017

To date, three main gasotransmitters, that is, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitric oxide (NO), have been discovered to play major bodily physiological roles. These gasotransmitters have multiple functional roles in the body including physiologic and pathologic functions with respect to the cellular or tissue quantities of these gases. Gasotransmitters were originally known to have only detrimental and noxious effects in the body but that notion has much changed with years; vast studies demonstrated that these gasotransmitters are precisely involved in the normal physiological functioning of the body. From neuromodulation, oxidative stress subjugation, and cardiovascular tone regulation to immunomodulation, these gases perform critical roles, which, should they deviate from the norm, can trigger the genesis of a number of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The purpose of this review is to discuss at great length physical and chemical properties and physiological actions of H2S, NO, and CO as well as shedding light on recently researched molecular targets. We particularly put emphasis on the roles in neuronal inflammation and neurodegeneration and neuronal repair.
Winter Waterbird Community Composition and Use at Created Wetlands in West Virginia, USA
Authors: Clipp Hannah L. , Peters Michael L. , Anderson James T.
Published: March 2017

Information on nonbreeding waterbirds using created wetlands in the Central Appalachian region of the United States is limited. We compared waterbird communities of two managed wetlands, created in 2013 and 2001, in West Virginia. We observed 27 species of waterbirds. Species richness and diversity were generally similar between the wetlands, but species composition and use differed.Branta canadensis(Canada Geese),Anas strepera(Gadwall),Bucephala albeola(Buffleheads),Aythya affinis(Lesser Scaup), andAythya collaris(Ring-Necked Ducks) used the older wetland most frequently. Disparities in species use were the highest in March. The older wetland differed from the younger in supporting species such as diving ducks, possibly due to differences in size, vegetation, water depth, and microtopography. However, the ability to provide habitat for waterbirds during the winter was determined to be comparable between wetlands, despite their age difference.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract in Autoimmune Prostatitis: Evaluation in Animal Model
Authors: Pérez-Alvarado Carlos , Gómez Consuelo , Reyes Miguel , García Mario , Pérez Elizabeth , Pérez de la Mora Carlos , Sanchez Virginia , Pérez Ishiwara D. Guillermo
Published: March 2017

Objective.To evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract (DLE) in a murine model of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).Methods.Histopathological characterization, prostatein Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, and immunohistochemical analysis for CD45, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-4 molecules were done in prostatic Wistar rats treated with DLE, placebo, or Dexamethasone.Results.Histopathological analysis of animals induced to prostatitis showed inflammatory infiltrate, mainly constituted by leucocytes and mast cells as well as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Serum prostatein concentrations were 14 times higher than those displayed by healthy animals. After DLE and Dexamethasone treatments, the inflammatory infiltrate decreased; the tissue morphology was similar to that of a normal prostate, and the prostatein decreased to the basal levels of healthy animals. DLE treatment produced a decreased expression of the cell surface marker CD45 and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-17. On the other hand, the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 increased in both the Dexamethasone and DLE groups.Conclusion.DLE is able to modulate the inflammatory response in Experimental Autoimmune Prostatitis (EAP).
Ligament-Derived Stem Cells: Identification, Characterisation, and Therapeutic Application
Authors: Lee Katie Joanna , Clegg Peter David , Comerford Eithne Josephine , Canty-Laird Elizabeth Gail
Published: March 2017

Ligament is prone to injury and degeneration and has poor healing potential and, with currently ineffective treatment strategies, stem cell therapies may provide an exciting new treatment option. Ligament-derived stem cell (LDSC) populations have been isolated from a number of different ligament types with the majority of studies focussing on periodontal ligament. To date, only a few studies have investigated LDSC populations in other types of ligament, for example, intra-articular ligaments; however, this now appears to be a developing field. This literature review aims to summarise the current information on nondental LDSCs includingin vitrocharacteristics of LDSCs and their therapeutic potential. The stem cell niche has been shown to be vital for stem cell survival and function in a number of different physiological systems; therefore, the LDSC niche may have an impact on LDSC phenotype. The role of the LDSC niche on LDSC viability and function will be discussed as well as the therapeutic potential of LDSC niche modulation.
Transumbilical Surgery for Duodenal Stenosis in a Child with Situs Inversus: The First Report
Authors: Saeki Isamu , Ueno Yu , Mukai Wataru , Imaji Reisuke , Akiyama Takashi
Published: March 2017

Background. Situs inversus is a rare congenital anomaly with a reported incidence of only 1 in 5,000 to 10,000 live births. Congenital duodenal stenosis complicated with situs inversus is an even rarer entity. Case Presentation. A 1-year-old girl with situs inversus who had undergone a hemi-Fontan procedure against a single ventricle in our hospital was referred to our department for vomiting and failure to thrive. An upper gastrointestinal contrast study and endoscopy revealed duodenal stenosis. A transumbilical radical operation as a minimally invasive surgery was successfully performed. After the surgery, she stopped vomiting, and the postoperative course was uneventful with good cosmetic results. Conclusions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of transumbilical surgery for congenital duodenal stenosis with situs inversus as minimally invasive surgery. Transumbilical surgery to situs inversus patient can be performed safely and lead to good cosmetic outcome.
Time-Domain Characterization of Dual Band Spiral Antenna with WMTS/UWB Application
Authors: Joseph Saira , Jacob Sunil , Paul Binu , Mridula Shanta , Mohanan Pezholil
Published: March 2017

A coplanar waveguide- (CPW-) fed spiral antenna with dual band application is presented. The antenna is designed to operate over the UWB (3.1–10.6 GHz) band as well as in a lower band suitable for WMTS (1.395–1.4 GHz). Frequency domain characterization shows that the antenna is well matched with appreciable gain in both bands. Time-domain studies are carried out to check the suitability of the antenna in pulsed communication. A prototype of the antenna is fabricated and measured results show low group delay variation in the UWB. FWHM and ringing of antenna impulse response, fidelity factor, and radiated power spectral density are also presented.
Revocable Key-Aggregate Cryptosystem for Data Sharing in Cloud
Authors: Gan Qingqing , Wang Xiaoming , Wu Daini
Published: March 2017

With the rapid development of network and storage technology, cloud storage has become a new service mode, while data sharing and user revocation are important functions in the cloud storage. Therefore, according to the characteristics of cloud storage, a revocable key-aggregate encryption scheme is put forward based on subset-cover framework. The proposed scheme not only has the key-aggregate characteristics, which greatly simplifies the user’s key management, but also can revoke user access permissions, realizing the flexible and effective access control. When user revocation occurs, it allows cloud server to update the ciphertext so that revoked users can not have access to the new ciphertext, while nonrevoked users do not need to update their private keys. In addition, a verification mechanism is provided in the proposed scheme, which can verify the updated ciphertext and ensure that the user revocation is performed correctly. Compared with the existing schemes, this scheme can not only reduce the cost of key management and storage, but also realize user revocation and achieve user’s access control efficiently. Finally, the proposed scheme can be proved to be selective chosen-plaintext security in the standard model.
Arthroscopy-Assisted Reduction and Fixation of a Transversal Glenoid Fracture: About a Case
Authors: Zbili David , Sali Eric , Serane Julien , Lefèvre Edouard , Amsallem Lior
Published: March 2017

An articular glenoid fracture is an uncommon injury. Usually significantly displaced intra-articular glenoid fractures are treated with open reduction surgery. Conventional open surgery techniques involve high morbidity. Here we describe an arthroscopy-assisted reduction and fixation method of an Ideberg type III glenoid fracture. This method provides good articular reduction without extensive exposure or soft tissue dissection and without nerve and/or vascular lesion.