bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma Masquerading as Optic Neuritis
Authors: Alroughani R. , Behbehani R.
Published: January 2016

Optic neuritis is a common presentation of demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis. It typically presents with acute painful monocular vision loss, whereas chronic optic neuropathy can be caused by compressive lesions along the anterior visual pathway, genetic, toxic, or nutritional causes. We report an unusual presentation mimicking optic neuritis, which was subsequently diagnosed as optic nerve sheath meningioma (ONSM). Misinterpretation of white matter lesions on MRI of brain and the failure to image the optic nerves at the time of acute loss of vision led to the misdiagnosis of optic neuritis in this case. A comprehensive accurate history and ordering the appropriate imaging modality remain paramount in diagnosing progressive visual deterioration.
Stem Cell‐Derived Exosomes: A Potential Alternative Therapeutic Agent in Orthopaedics
Authors: Burke John , Kolhe Ravindra , Hunter Monte , Isales Carlos , Hamrick Mark , Fulzele Sadanand
Published: January 2016

Within the field of regenerative medicine, many have sought to use stem cells as a promising way to heal human tissue; however, in the past few years, exosomes (packaged vesicles released from cells) have shown more exciting promise. Specifically, stem cell‐derived exosomes have demonstrated great ability to provide therapeutical benefits. Exosomal products can include miRNA, other genetic products, proteins, and various factors. They are released from cells in a paracrine fashion in order to combat local cellular stress. Because of this, there are vast benefits that medicine can obtain from stem cell‐derived exosomes. If exosomes could be extracted from stem cells in an efficient manner and packaged with particular regenerative products, then diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bone fractures, and other maladies could be treated with cell‐free regenerative medicine via exosomes. Many advances must be made to get to this point, and the following review highlights the current advances of stem cell‐derived exosomes with particular attention to regenerative medicine in orthopaedics.
New Collagen-Dextran-Zinc Oxide Composites for Wound Dressing
Authors: Păunica-Panea Georgeta , Ficai Anton , Marin Minodora Maria , Marin Ștefania , Albu Mădălina Georgiana , Constantin Vlad Denis , Dinu-Pîrvu Cristina , Vuluga Zina , Corobea Mihai Cosmin , Ghica Mihaela Violeta
Published: January 2016

The goal of this paper was the design, development, and characterization of some new composites, based on collagen and dextran as natural polymers and zinc oxide as antimicrobial, to be used in wound healing. Collagen hydrogels with various concentrations of dextran and zinc oxide were investigated in terms of rheological analysis. The spongious composites, obtained by freeze-drying of hydrogels, were evaluated by morphology (SEM), water uptake, and biological (enzymatic biodegradation) analysis. All the results were strongly influenced by the nature and concentration of composite components. Based on the performances of the hydrogels, stationary rheometry, porous structure, morphology, and biological behavior, the antimicrobial spongious composite based on collagen and dextran with 50% ZnO were the most promising for future applications in wound dressing and a biomaterial with high potential in skin regeneration.
Metformin Prevents Fatty Liver and Improves Balance of White/Brown Adipose in an Obesity Mouse Model by Inducing FGF21
Authors: Kim Eun Kyung , Lee Seung Hoon , Jhun Joo Yeon , Byun Jae Kyeong , Jeong Jeong Hee , Lee Seon-Young , Kim Jae Kyung , Choi Jong Young , Cho Mi-La
Published: January 2016

Obesity and its associated metabolic disorders are related to the onset of fatty liver and the balance of white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). We hypothesized that metformin, an effective pharmacological treatment for type 2 diabetes, would inhibit white adipogenesis, fatty liver, and metabolic dysfunction. Metformin was treated daily for 14 weeks in a high-fat dieting C57BL/6J mice. Serum biomarkers were analyzed and protein level was assessed using confocal staining or flow cytometry. The development of lipid drops in the liver cells and white adipocyte was measured using hematoxylin and eosin or Oil Red O stains. Gene expressions were analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR. Metformin treatment decreased the body weight and improved the metabolic profile of obese mice. In obese mice, metformin also induced the expression of BAT-related markers and increased fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 expression in the liver and in white adipocyte. Metformin suppressed white adipocyte differentiation via induction of FGF21. Metformin improves Treg/Th17 balance in CD4+ T cells in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity. Metformin also improves glucose metabolism and metabolic disorder. Interleukin-17 deficiency also decreases inflammation in mice. Therefore, metformin may be therapeutically useful for the treatment of obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
Inferior Turbinate Size and CPAP Titration Based Treatment Pressures: No Association Found among Patients Who Have Not Had Nasal Surgery
Authors: Camacho Macario , Zaghi Soroush , Tran Daniel , Song Sungjin A. , Chang Edward T. , Certal Victor
Published: January 2016

Objective. To evaluate the effect of turbinate sizes on the titrated continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapeutic treatment pressures for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have not had nasal surgery.Study Design. Retrospective case series.Methods. A chart review was performed for 250 consecutive patients.Results. 45 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean ± standard deviation (M ± SD) for age was54.6±22.4years and for body mass index was28.5±5.9 kg/m2. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rs) between CPAP therapeutic treatment pressures and several variables were calculated and were weakly correlated (agers=0.29, nasal obstructionrs=-0.30), moderately correlated (body mass indexrs=0.42and lowest oxygen saturationrs=-0.47), or strongly correlated (apnea-hypopnea indexrs=0.60and oxygen desaturation index (rs=0.62)). No statistical significance was found with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) between CPAP therapeutic treatment pressures and inferior turbinate size (right turbinatespvalue = 0.2012, left turbinatepvalue = 0.3064), nasal septal deviation (pvalue = 0.4979), or mask type (pvalue = 0.5136).Conclusion. In this study, CPAP titration based therapeutic treatment pressures were not found to be associated with inferior turbinate sizes; however, the CPAP therapeutic treatment pressures were strongly correlated with apnea-hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index.
WSF2: A Novel Framework for Filtering Web Spam
Authors: Fdez-Glez J. , Ruano-Ordás D. , Laza R. , Méndez J. R. , Pavón R. , Fdez-Riverola F.
Published: January 2016

Over the last years, research on web spam filtering has gained interest from both academia and industry. In this context, although there are a good number of successful antispam techniques available (i.e., content-based, link-based, and hiding), an adequate combination of different algorithms supported by an advanced web spam filtering platform would offer more promising results. To this end, we propose the WSF2 framework, a new platform particularly suitable for filtering spam content on web pages. Currently, our framework allows the easy combination of different filtering techniques including, but not limited to, regular expressions and well-known classifiers (i.e., Naïve Bayes, Support Vector Machines, and C5.0). Applying our WSF2 framework over the publicly available WEBSPAM-UK2007 corpus, we have been able to demonstrate that a simple combination of different techniques is able to improve the accuracy of single classifiers on web spam detection. As a result, we conclude that the proposed filtering platform is a powerful tool for boosting applied research in this area.
Pseudohypoaldosteronism in a Neonate Presenting as Life-Threatening Hyperkalemia
Authors: Attia Najya A. , Marzouk Yousef I.
Published: January 2016

Context. Pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA1) is a life-threatening disease that causes severe hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest if not treated appropriately or if diagnosis is missed.Objective.To report a case of a newborn with vomiting and lethargy, ultimately diagnosed with pseudohypoaldosteronism.Patient.This case presented to the ED at an age of 14 days in hypovolemic shock. There was a family history of sudden infant death, her sister who was diagnosed with CAH and passed away at 3 months of age despite regular hormone replacement. Our patient had cardiac arrest in ED, due to hyperkalemia; while receiving fluid boluses, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated. After stabilization, diagnostic workup demonstrated persistently low sodium, acidosis, and high potassium, which required peritoneal dialysis. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with CAH. It turned out later that the patient had PHA1. Two years later, the patient had a new sibling with the same disease diagnosed at birth and started immediately on treatment without any complication.Conclusions and Outcome.This case highlights the significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in treating children with PHA1. Adrenal crisis is not always CAH; delayed diagnosis can lead to complication and even death. The presence of high plasma renin activity, aldosterone, and cortisol, along with the presence of hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, established the diagnosis of PHA type 1 and ruled out CAH.
Modeling of Drilling Forces Based on Twist Drill Point Angles Using Multigene Genetic Programming
Authors: Kim Myong-Il , Zou Ping
Published: January 2016

The mathematical model was developed for predicting the influence of the drill point angles on the cutting forces in drilling with the twist drills, which was used to optimize those angles for reducing drilling forces. The approach was based on multigene genetic programming, for the training data, the grinding tests of twist drill were firstly conducted for the different drill point angles in Biglide parallel machine, and then drilling tests were performed on carbon fiber reinforced plastics using the grinded drills. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was verified through comparing with published data. It was found that the proposed model agreed well with the experimental data and was useful for improving the performance of twist drill.
QoS Model of WSNs Communication in Smart Distribution Grid
Authors: Fang Ruju , Wang Jianping , Sun Wei , Li Qiyue
Published: January 2016

This paper presents an integrated modeling method providing superior Quality of Service (QoS) for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) which is suitable for smart distribution grid (SDG) communication. Traditional QoS model based on IEEE802.15.4 protocol cannot meet the communication requirements of multipriority data in smart distribution grid. In order to meet the specification of power system communication, a new QoS-enabled medium access control (MAC) model based on unfair competition channel access mechanism (UCCAM) is developed in this paper. The proposed model can ensure that the communication system of WSN provides different Qualities of Service for different priority data. According to different requirements for the communication time, the data of SDG are divided into three types: high priority, middle priority, and low priority data. The state transition of buffering queue data in node is described by a three-dimensional Markov chain model. Delay time, effective throughput rate, and channel collision rate models are developed, respectively, to evaluate communication performance of WSN applied in smart distribution grid. The simulation results show that the proposed model can provide different Qualities of Service for different priority data and is more efficient than the IEEE802.15.4e standard and the traditional methods.
Antibacterial Activity of Salvadora persica L. (Miswak) Extracts against Multidrug Resistant Bacterial Clinical Isolates
Authors: Al-Ayed Mohamed Saeed Zayed , Asaad Ahmed Morad , Qureshi Mohamed Ansar , Attia Hany Goda , AlMarrani Abduljabbar Hadi
Published: January 2016

Much effort has focused on examining the inhibitory effect of Salvadora persica (miswak) on oral microorganisms, but information concerning its antibacterial activity against other human pathogens, particularly multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates, is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the in vitro antibacterial activities of Salvadora persica L. extracts against 10 MDR bacterial clinical isolates other than oral pathogens. The antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanol miswak extracts was assessed using the agar dilution and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. Overall, the 400 mg/mL of miswak extract was the most effective on all strains. The methanol extract exhibited a stronger antibacterial activity against Gram‐negative (3.3–13.6 mm) than Gram‐positive (1.8–8.3 mm) bacteria. The lowest MIC value was seen for E. coli (0.39, 1.56 µg/mL), followed by Streptococcus pyogenes (1.56 µg/mL). The highest MIC value (6.25, 12.5 µg/mL) was recorded for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Acinetobacter baumannii, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the moderate to strong antibacterial activity of miswak extracts against all tested MDR‐pathogens. Methanol extract appears to be a potent antimicrobial agent that could be considered as complementary and alternative medicine against resistant pathogens. Further studies on a large number of MDR organisms are necessary to investigate and standardize the inhibitory effect of miswak extracts against these emerging pathogens.
Increased Umbilical Cord PAI-1 Levels in Placental Insufficiency Are Associated with Fetal Hypoxia and Angiogenesis
Authors: Seferovic Maxim D. , Gupta Madhulika B.
Published: January 2016

In intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), a subset of pregnancies undergoes placental vascular dysregulation resulting in restricted blood flow and fetal hypoxemia. Altered transcription of hypoxic regulated plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) has been associated with pregnancy complications and angiogenic regulation. Here we assessed circulating PAI-1 as an indicator of placental insufficiency. Venous umbilical PAI-1 of hypoxemic (VpO220 versus 35 mmHg,p<0.0001) placental insufficient pregnancies (resistance index 0.9 versus 0.63,p<0.05) (n=18) was compared to controls (n=12). PAI-1 was increased (~10-fold,p<0.001) and had a positive predictive ratio of 6.7. Further, PAI-1 levels correlated to blood oxygen (r=-0.68,p<0.0001). The plasma’s angiogenic potency measuredin vitrowas associated with umbilical cord blood PAI-1 levels (r=0.65,p<0.01). This association was attenuated by PAI-1 inhibiting antibody (p<0.001). The results demonstrate PAI-1 as a potential marker of placental insufficiency and identify its close association with pathological hypoxia and angiogenesis in a subset of growth restricted pregnancies.
An Effective Scheduling-Based RFID Reader Collision Avoidance Model and Its Resource Allocation via Artificial Immune Network
Authors: Wang Shanjin , Li Zhonghua , He Chunhui , Li Jianming
Published: January 2016

Radio frequency identification, that is, RFID, is one of important technologies in Internet of Things. Reader collision does impair the tag identification efficiency of an RFID system. Many developed methods, for example, the scheduling-based series, that are used to avoid RFID reader collision, have been developed. For scheduling-based methods, communication resources, that is, time slots, channels, and power, are optimally assigned to readers. In this case, reader collision avoidance is equivalent to an optimization problem related to resource allocation. However, the existing methods neglect the overlap between the interrogation regions of readers, which reduces the tag identification rate (TIR). To resolve this shortage, this paper attempts to build a reader-to-reader collision avoidance model considering the interrogation region overlaps (R2RCAM-IRO). In addition, an artificial immune network for resource allocation (RA-IRO-aiNet) is designed to optimize the proposed model. For comparison, some comparative numerical simulations are arranged. The simulation results show that the proposed R2RCAM-IRO is an effective model where TIR is improved significantly. And especially in the application of reader-to-reader collision avoidance, the proposed RA-IRO-aiNet outperforms GA, opt-aiNet, and PSO in the total coverage area of readers.
Perineal Protrusion Secondary to Imperforate Hymen and Hydrocolpos in an 8-Year-Old Spayed Female Dog
Authors: Blackford Winders Callie L. , Tobias Karen M.
Published: January 2016

An 8-year-old female spayed Dachshund presented with an acute onset of dysuria, dyschezia, and painful perineal protrusion. A perineal hernia was ruled out on digital rectal examination, and blood work was unremarkable. An extremely dilated vagina was identified on computed tomography, and hydrocolpos was suspected. Endoscopic vaginal exam confirmed the diagnosis of imperforate hymen. The membrane was ruptured digitally and remnants were removed endoscopically, resulting in resolution of clinical signs. Imperforate hymen is a rare congenital abnormality that can result in extensive fluid accumulation within the vagina and subsequent compression of local structures or secondary infection. Treatment of hydrocolpos includes membrane perforation and removal.
A Head-Mounted Spectacle Frame for the Study of Mouse Lens-Induced Myopia
Authors: Gu Yangshun , Xu Baisheng , Feng Chunfei , Ni Yang , Wu Qin , Du Chixin , Hong Nan , Li Peng , Ding Zhihua , Jiang Bo
Published: January 2016

The mouse model has been widely employed to explore the mysteries of myopia. For now, existing techniques for induction of experimental myopia in mice can be classified into three types: (1) devices directly glued to the fur; (2) devices attached using a combination of glue and sutures; (3) devices attached using a skull-mounted apparatus. These techniques each have its advantages, disadvantages when considering the devices stability, safety, complexity, effectiveness, and so forth. Thus, techniques for myopia induction in mice have yet to be further refined to popularize the applications. In this pilot study, we introduce a new head fixation device named the head-mounted spectacle frame apparatus for the study of mouse lens-induced myopia. Surgical procedures for device attachment were relatively simple and easy to learn in our study. Effective myopia induction was validated by retinoscopy refraction and axial length measurement using optical coherence tomography. In addition, it showed improved compliance and reliable safety when compared to the published methods. The head-mounted spectacle frame apparatus provides a new choice for the study of lens-induced myopia in mouse. It also allows for the use of form deprivation, making it attractive for future experimental mouse myopia trials.
Verifying Service Choreography Model Based on Description Logic
Authors: Yu Minggang , Wang Zhixue , Niu Xiaoxing
Published: January 2016

Web Services Choreography Description Language lacks a formal system to accurately express the semantics of service behaviors and verify the correctness of a service choreography model. The paper presents a new approach of choreography model verification based on Description Logic. A metamodel of service choreography is built to provide a conceptual framework to capture the formal syntax and semantics of service choreography. Based on the framework, a set of rules and constraints are defined in Description Logic for choreography model verification. To automate model verification, the UML-based service choreography model will be transformed, by the given algorithms, into the DL-based ontology, and thus the model properties can be verified by reasoning through the ontology with the help of a popular DL reasoner. A case study is given to demonstrate applicability of the method. Furthermore, the work will be compared with other related researches.
Prediction Research of Red Tide Based on Improved FCM
Authors: Hu Xiaomei , Wang Dong , Qu Hewei , Shi Xinran
Published: January 2016

Red tides are caused by the combination effects of many marine elements. The complexity of the marine ecosystem makes it hard to find the relationship between marine elements and red tides. The algorithm of fuzzyc-means (FCM) can get clear classification of things and expresses the fuzzy state among different things. Therefore, a prediction algorithm of red tide based on improved FCM is proposed. In order to overcome the defect of FCM which is overdependent on the initial cluster centers and the objective function, this paper gains the initial cluster centers through the principle of regional minimum data density and the minimum mean distance. The feature weighted cluster center is added to the objective function. Finally, the improved FCM algorithm is applied in the prediction research of red tide, and the results show that the improved FCM algorithm has good denoising ability and high accuracy in the prediction of red tides.
Osteoporosis-Pseudoglioma in a Mauritanian Child due to a Novel Mutation inLRP5
Authors: Biha Noura , Ghaber S. M. , Hacen M. M. , Collet Corinne
Published: January 2016

Osteoporosis-pseudoglioma (OPPG) syndrome is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder, caused by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) gene. It manifests by severe juvenile osteoporosis with congenital or infancy-onset visual loss. We describe a case of OPPG due to novel mutation in LRP5 gene, occurring in a female Mauritanian child. This 10-year-old female child was born blind, and after then multiple fragility fractures appeared. PCR amplification and sequencing revealed a novel homozygous nonsense mutation in exon 10 of the LRP5 gene (c.2270G>A;pTrP757⁎); this mutation leads to the production of a truncated protein containing 757 amino acids instead of 1615, located in the thirdβ-propeller domain of the LRP5 protein. Both parents were heterozygous for the mutation. This is the first case of the OPPG described in black Africans, which broadens the spectrum of LRP5 gene mutations in OPPG.
Role of NADH Dehydrogenase (Ubiquinone) 1 Alpha Subcomplex 4-Like 2 in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Minton Denise R. , Fu Leiping , Mongan Nigel P. , Shevchuk Maria M. , Nanus David M. , Gudas Lorraine J.
Published: January 2016

Purpose: We delineated the functions of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) target NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 alpha subcomplex 4-like 2 (NDUFA4L2) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and characterized NDUFA4L2 as a novel molecular target for ccRCC treatment.

Experimental Design: We evaluated normal kidney and ccRCC patient microarray and RNAseq data from Oncomine and The Cancer Genome Atlas for NDUFA4L2 mRNA levels and the clinical implications of high NDUFA4L2 expression. In addition, we examined normal kidney and ccRCC patient tissue samples, human ccRCC cell lines, and murine models of ccRCC for NDUFA4L2 mRNA and protein expression. Utilizing short hairpin RNA, we performed NDUFA4L2 knockdown experiments and analyzed the proliferation, clonogenicity, metabolite levels, cell structure, and autophagy in ccRCC cell lines in culture.

Results: We found that NDUFA4L2 mRNA and protein are highly expressed in ccRCC samples but undetectable in normal kidney tissue samples, and that NDUFA4L2 mRNA expression correlates with tumor stage and lower overall survival. In addition, we demonstrated that NDUFA4L2 is an HIF1α target in ccRCC and that NDUFA4L2 knockdown has a profound antiproliferative effect, alters metabolic pathways, and causes major stress in cultured RCC cells.

Conclusions: Collectively, our data show that NDUFA4L2 is a novel molecular target for ccRCC treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 22(11); 2791–801. ©2016 AACR.
A Phase I Study of the AKT Inhibitor MK-2206 in Combination with Hormonal Therapy in Postmenopausal Women with Estrogen Receptor–Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Ma Cynthia X. , Sanchez Cesar , Gao Feng , Crowder Robert , Naughton Michael , Pluard Timothy , Creekmore Allison , Guo Zhanfang , Hoog Jeremy , Lockhart A. Craig , Doyle Austin , Erlichman Charles , Ellis Matthew J.
Published: January 2016

Purpose: PI3K/AKT pathway activation is an important endocrine resistance mechanism in estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer. After promising preclinical modeling of MK-2206, an allosteric pan-AKT inhibitor, with either estrogen deprivation or fulvestrant, we conducted a phase I trial in patients with metastatic ER+HER2− breast cancer to determine the recommended phase II treatment dose (RPTD) of MK-2206 when combined with either anastrozole, fulvestrant, or anastrozole/fulvestrant.

Experimental Design: ER+ breast cancer cell lines were exposed in vitro to MK-2206 plus estrogen deprivation with or without fulvestrant and monitored for apoptosis. A standard 3+3 design was employed to first determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of MK-2206 plus anastrozole based on cycle 1 toxicity. Each cycle was 28 days. The RPTD was determined on the basis of toxicities observed at MTD level during the first 3 cycles. Subsequent patients received MK-2206, at the RPTD determined above, plus fulvestrant or anastrozole/fulvestrant to define RPTD for these additional regimens.

Results: MK-2206 induced apoptosis in parental ER+ but not in long-term estrogen-deprived cell lines, for which fulvestrant was required for apoptosis induction. Thirty-one patients enrolled. The RPTD was defined as MK-2206 150 mg orally weekly with prednisone prophylaxis for each combination. Grade 3 rash was dose limiting. 42% (95% CI, 23%–63%) patients derived clinical benefit without progression within 6 months. Response was not associated with tumor PIK3CA mutation.

Conclusions: MK-2206 plus endocrine treatments were tolerable. MK-2206 in combination with anastrozole is being further evaluated in a phase II neoadjuvant trial for newly diagnosed ER+HER2− breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 22(11); 2650–8. ©2016 AACR.

See related commentary by Jansen et al., p. 2599
The Effects of AS160 Modulation on Fatty Acid Transporters Expression and Lipid Profile in L6 Myotubes
Authors: Mikłosz Agnieszka , Łukaszuk Bartłomiej , Żendzian-Piotrowska Małgorzata , Kurek Krzysztof , Chabowski Adrian
Published: January 2016

Background/Aims: AS160 is a key intracellular regulator of energy utilization in cells. It was shown to regulate GLUT4 translocation from intracellular depots to the plasma membrane, with subsequent changes in facilitated glucose uptake into the skeletal muscles. Similarly, also free fatty acids (FFAs) transmembrane transport seems to be largely protein-mediated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of moderate AS160 depletion (-82% mRNA, -25% of protein content) on the expression of fatty acid transporters and subsequent changes in lipid profile in L6 myotubes. Results: Surprisingly, moderate down regulation of AS160 expression was followed by increased AS160 phosphorylation (∼40%). These resulted in a greater expression of fatty acid transporters, namely FABPpm and FAT/CD36, with subsequently increased FAs cellular influx. No changes in the expression of FATP1 and 4 were noticed. Accordingly, we have observed a reduction in total TAG content. This was mainly caused by a significant changes in TAG fatty acids composition favouring a decrease in the amount of palmitic and stearic fatty acid moieties. In contrast, our experimental intervention led to distinctively increased total content of DAG and PL, but concomitantly decreased the content of all measured sphingolipids, e.g. SFA, SA1P, CER, SFO and S1P, in the AS160 knockdown group. Conclusions: Modulation of AS160 level and activity led to significant increase in the concentration of DAG and PL, which was associated with changes in FAs composition and expression of fatty acid transporters. Interestingly, the intervention also simultaneously decreased the content of sphingolipids.
Decreased Total Placental Mass Found in Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Gestations with Selective Growth Restriction
Authors: Van Winden Kristi R. , Quintero Rubén A. , Kontopoulos Eftichia V. , Korst Lisa M. , Llanes Arlyn , Chmait Ramen H.
Published: January 2016

Introduction: We examined placental weight characteristics associated with donor selective intrauterine growth restriction (SIUGR) among patients with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) who underwent laser surgery. Materials and Methods: Fresh placental specimens were studied. Pregnancies with higher-order multiples, fetal demise, or disrupted or nonsubmitted placental specimens were excluded. Placental characteristics prospectively collected included total placental weight, individual placental weight, and placental share. Data were compared between pregnancies with SIUGR (TTTS + SIUGR group) and those without SIUGR (TTTS-only group). Results: Of 369 consecutive patients who underwent laser surgery for TTTS, 155 (42%) met inclusion criteria: 91 with TTTS + SIUGR and 64 with TTTS-only. Compared to the TTTS-only group, patients in the TTTS + SIUGR group had a lower total placental weight (608 ± 163 vs. 687 ± 224 g, p = 0.012), with a lower donor individual placental weight (237 ± 91 vs. 291 ± 124 g, p = 0.002), but no apparent difference in the individual placental weight of recipient twins (371 ± 109 vs. 396 ± 133 g, p = 0.211). Donor placental share was smaller in those pregnancies affected by SIUGR (38.7 ± 9.6 vs. 42.3 ± 9.8%, p = 0.029). Discussion: TTTS patients with SIUGR had a lower total placental weight and a lower donor individual placental weight compared to those without SIUGR. These findings suggest that differences in donor individual placental weights for SIUGR gestations may not solely be related to differences in placental share.
Awake Neurophysiologically Guided versus Asleep MRI-Guided STN DBS for Parkinson Disease: A Comparison of Outcomes Using Levodopa Equivalents
Authors: Saleh Sara , Swanson Kyle I. , Lake Wendell B. , Sillay Karl A.
Published: January 2016

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease (PD) has traditionally been performed in awake patients. Some patients are unable to tolerate awake surgery or extensive time off their medication to allow for neurophysiological testing during traditional DBS implantation, which has previously limited surgical options for these patients. Recently, asleep image-guided lead placement using intraoperative MRI or CT for verification has been proposed as an alternative for patients unable or unwilling to undergo awake DBS surgery. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review comparing PD patients who underwent asleep MRI-guided subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS lead placement (n = 14) and awake neurophysiologically guided STN DBS lead placement (n = 23) at our institution. Both groups' levodopa equivalent daily doses (LEDDs) and complications at approximately 6 months of follow-up were compared, along with operative times. Results: Both groups showed statistically similar reductions in LEDD at 6 months of therapy (38.27% for awake, 49.27% for asleep; p = 0.4447), and similar complications. Operative times were initially longer for MRI-guided DBS but improved with surgical experience. Conclusion: Asleep MRI-guided DBS is a viable option for PD patients unable or unwilling to undergo awake placement, with similar results in terms of LEDD reduction and complications.
Abnormal Neural Network of Primary Insomnia: Evidence from Spatial Working Memory Task fMRI
Authors: Li Yongli , Liu Liya , Wang Enfeng , Zhang Hongju , Dou Shewei , Tong Li , Cheng Jingliang , Chen Chuanliang , Shi Dapeng
Published: January 2016

Background: Contemporary functional MRI (fMRI) methods can provide a wealth of information about the neural mechanisms associated with primary insomnia (PI), which centrally involve neural network circuits related to spatial working memory. Methods: A total of 30 participants diagnosed with PI and without atypical brain anatomy were selected along with 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Subjects were administered the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and clinical assessments of spatial working memory, followed by an MRI scan and fMRI in spatial memory task state. Results: Statistically significant differences between PSQI and spatial working memory were observed between PI patients and controls (p < 0.01). Activation of neural networks related to spatial memory task state in the PI group was observed at the left temporal lobe, left occipital lobe and right frontal lobe. Lower levels of activation were observed in the left parahippocampal gyrus, right parahippocampal gyrus, bilateral temporal cortex, frontal cortex and superior parietal lobule. Conclusion: Participants with PI exhibited characteristic abnormalities in the neural network connectivity related to spatial working memory. These results may be indicative of an underlying pathological mechanism related to spatial working memory deterioration in PI, analogous to recently described mechanisms in other mental health disorders.
Return to Paid Work after Ischemic Stroke in Patients Treated with Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Stefanovic Budimkic Maja , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Beslac-Bumbasirevic Ljiljana , Ercegovac Marko , Berisavac Ivana , Stanarcevic Predrag , Padjen Visnja , Jovanovic Dejana R.
Published: January 2016

Background: There are no available data confirming the efficacy of intravenous thrombolytic (IVT) treatment on the return to work as one of important outcome measure after acute ischemic stroke (IS). The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of IVT treatment on the return to work after stroke. Methods: This matched cohort study included 279 patients with acute IS (146 treated with IVT and 133 matched patients without IVT) admitted to the Stroke Unit between 2007 and 2013. All patients were working in paid employment immediately before stroke onset. The main outcome measure was return to full-time paid work during follow-up period. Results: After a median follow-up period of 3 years (range 1-7 years), the prevalence of stroke survivors returning to paid work was 42.1% in the IVT group and 33.3% in the non-IVT group (hazard ratio 1.28, 95% CI 0.86-1.91), and IVT treatment was associated with a higher chance of returning to full-time jobs (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.21-3.51). After adjustment for possible variables, IVT was an independent predictor of returning to full-time jobs. Conclusion: IVT treatment was a positive predictor of returning to full-time work after stroke.
New Insight into Effects of β-Blockers on Arterial Functions
Authors: Eguchi Kazuo
Published: January 2016

The effects of β-blockers on arterial properties are not well investigated. In our recent study, we compared the effects of the two β-blockers celiprolol and bisoprolol on blood pressure, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), flow-mediated vasodilatation, and vascular stiffness. We found that bisoprolol achieved a greater reduction in the pulse rate and improved BRS and vascular stiffness, whereas celiprolol reduced the central blood pressure level. In this review, the mechanisms of different types of β-blockers and their effects on arteries are discussed, and the appropriate use of β-blockers in hypertensive subjects will be proposed.
Associations of Promoter Methylations and mRNA Expressions of MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9 with Primary Fallopian Tube Carcinoma
Authors: Ren Yuefang , Zhou Yinjian , Liu Mingsong , Zhang Su
Published: January 2016

Objective: To explore the associations of matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2), MMP-7 and MMP-9 methylations and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressions with primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) development and prognosis. Methods: We recruited 48 patients with PFTC into the case group and 48 healthy individuals into the control group; PFTC tissues and normal fallopian tube tissues were obtained from subjects in both groups. Methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription PCR and the immunohistochemical method were used to examine methylation, mRNA expressions and protein expressions of MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9, respectively. Results: The methylation rates of MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9 in the case group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all p < 0.05); MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9 protein and mRNA expressions of PFTC tissues were enormously higher than those of normal tissues (all p < 0.05); univariate survival analysis indicated that MMP-2 and MMP-9 methylations and their protein expressions were associated with PFTC prognosis (all p < 0.05), which was further confirmed by the Cox regression model (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: The protein and mRNA expressions of MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9 might be related to PFTC, while the methylations and protein expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 might be associated with PFTC progression and prognosis.
Late Rupture of Lumbar Artery as an Unusual Complication after Renal Biopsy - Case Report
Authors: Krejčí Karel , Černá Marie , Žamboch Kamil , Orság Jiří , Klíčová Anna , Zadražil Josef
Published: January 2016

The most serious complication of renal biopsy is vascular damage with subsequent haemorrhage. To our knowledge, we present a first ever case of lumbar artery (LA) rupture accompanied by massive retroperitoneal bleeding, which developed after a significant amount of time following the biopsy itself. In a 63-year-old Caucasian female patient, a percutaneous left kidney biopsy was performed under continuous ultrasound guidance. On the fourteenth day after the procedure, she was examined for a sudden onset of left lumbar region pain. Computed tomography angiography showed a large retroperitoneal hematoma with active bleeding from the fourth left LA. Successful endovascular superselective embolization was performed immediately. The predisposing factor for the late haemorrhage could have been anticoagulation therapy, renal insufficiency and older age. Our case report highlights the need for caution, especially when performing kidney biopsy in a group of high-risk patients, particularly if they are indicated for subsequent anticoagulant therapy.
O desafio da conservação dos acervos particulares de arquitetos modernos: o caso do Inventário Janete Costa
Authors: Moreira Fernando Diniz , Gáti Andréa Halász , Carvalho Gisele Melo de , Oliveira Veronice
Published: January 2016

Conservar a vasta documentação iconográfica produzida pelos arquitetos modernos é um tema essencial da conservação da arquitetura, tendo em vista o rápido desaparecimento dos exemplares construídos. Essa documentação sofre um sério risco com a dissolução dos escritórios, após a morte ou aposentadoria dos seus titulares, considerando o pequeno porte dos escritórios brasileiros e a pesada responsabilidade imputada aos familiares. Este artigo relata a experiência da realização do inventário da obra da arquiteta Janete Costa (1932-2008), que contribuiu decisivamente nos campos da arquitetura de interiores, design de produtos, intervenções em edifícios históricos, na produção e divulgação do artesanato brasileiro, com uma vasta obra não apenas no Nordeste, mas em várias cidades brasileiras. Com o falecimento da arquiteta surgiu a necessidade de acolher seu acervo na sede do Recife, material antes distribuído nos escritórios que mantinha no Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo. Este acervo, agora reunido no Recife, compreende plantas, fotos, revistas, slides, documentos, maquetes, material gráfico de exposições e vídeos. O projeto do inventário inclui a limpeza, organização, conservação divulgação de suas principais obras em um site. A equipe multidisciplinar foi formada por arquitetos pesquisadores, arquitetos especializados em interiores e consultores na área de informação e de webdesign.
Patrimônio e Educação: contribuições da Rede Paulista de Educação Patrimonial para o tema
Authors: Demarchi João Lorandi
Published: January 2016

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Nota explicativa: um arquivo de pesquisa
Authors: Costa Eduardo
Published: January 2016

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RUMORES DE MITOLOGIAS – BARTHES E A COLONIZAÇÃO
Authors: Koide Emi
Published: January 2016

Proponho apresentar uma análise do vídeo Vita Nova (2009) do artista Vincent Meessen, que parte de uma fotografia que figura como capa da revista Paris Match de 1955 analisada por Roland Barthes no texto “O mito, hoje” de Mitologias (1957) – de um jovem negro saudando a bandeira francesa – decifrada como “álibi da colonização” (BARTHES, 1957, p. 203). Em sua investigação, o filme revela algo inesperado: o fato de que o avô de Barthes, Louis-Gustave Binger, havia sido um explorador colonial que governou o território correspondente à Costa do Marfim atual. O filme se apropria de textos de Barthes, em reviravoltas que criam novos sentidos e significados. Procuro identificar algumas inflexões, deslocamentos e outras reflexões dos textos de Barthes na presente obra, levando em consideração temas como mito, poder, colonização e história.
MITOLOGIAS E A NOVA CRÍTICA DA IDEOLOGIA NA FRANÇA
Authors: Zacarias Gabriel Ferreira
Published: January 2016

Neste artigo, retomo a noção de mitologia, formulada por Roland Barthes em seu livro de 1957. Barthes procura compreender a especificidade da ideologia veiculada pelos produtos da indústria cultural a partir de seu funcionamento linguístico, caracterizado pelo autor como uma operação de apropriação discursiva, ou de “roubo da linguagem”. Em seguida, aproximo o conceito barthesiano do procedimento artístico formulado por Guy Debord sob o nome de détournement (ou desvio). Empregado por Debord em seus textos e filmes, tal procedimento é concebido como uma forma de reapropriação e ressignificação dos produtos da cultura de massas que busca reverter seu conteúdo ideológico habitual. Pode-se propor, portanto, que o desvio de Debord realiza na prática aquilo que Barthes imaginara teoricamente com a noção de “mito artificial”.
O QUE É O ESPORTE? AS CONTRIBUIÇÕES SEMINAIS DE JOHAN HUIZINGA E ROGER CAILLOIS RESSIGNIFICADAS POR ROLAND BARTHES
Authors: Marques José Carlos
Published: January 2016

Em 1961, o pensador francês Roland Barthes (1915-1980) publicou o texto “Le sport et les hommes”, a partir de uma encomenda do canadense Hubert Aquin, que realizava um documentário com o mesmo título. O artigo oferece uma análise semiológica sobre a tourada na Espanha (a qual o próprio Barthes não sabe se a inclui na categoria de esporte), o automobilismo nos Estados Unidos, o ciclismo na França, o hóquei no gelo no Canadá e o futebol na Inglaterra. Longe dos termos técnicos das ciências do esporte e do linguajar acadêmico canônico, Barthes procura analisar os significados e a importância que o esporte assumiu na sociedade de massas do século XX, buscando interpretações e correlações entre a prática esportiva e as necessidades vitais do homem na contemporaneidade. Nossas reflexões procuram contrapor a contribuição barthesiana às obras seminais de dois outros autores europeus que, anos antes, propuseram uma leitura original sobre o esporte: são os casos de Johan Huizinga e o livro Homo Ludens (1938), e de Roger Caillois e Os Jogos e os Homens (1957).
BARTHES EDITOR DE MODA
Authors: Soria Salma
Published: January 2016

Foi observando revistas e catálogos da alta moda que Barthes escreveu “O Sistema da Moda”. Esta curiosa análise levou à descoberta de novas simbologias e à criação de sistema original que identifica estruturas no espaço entre a roupa e a moda. Segundo o semiólogo, a moda tende a “recitar o vestuário mais do que fabricá-lo”. Com a massificação do fast fashion, um dos maiores símbolos são as t-shirts estampadas com frases. A letra estampada sobre a camiseta é hoje uma das peças de roupas mais vestidas no mundo. Teria Barthes, ao enunciar a já citada afirmação, antecipado uma importante tendência de estilo que perdura desde o fim do século passado? Ao analisar o tecido, Barthes exalta na práxis do vestir o aparecimento do sentido. Ao vestir um casaco, por exemplo, este estaria assumindo o lugar da pessoa. São estes alguns dos pontos que constituem este trabalho.
Incidence of cesarean delivery among users of a private health plan
Authors: Barbosa Jaqueline F. , Toé Thatiana F. Dal , Simões Priscyla W.
Published: January 2016

Study model: Study of Incidence. Objective: To know incidence of cesarean at a private health plan, analyze the main indications of this, the APGAR scores of neonates, and to describe the characteristics of women who undergo this procedure, analyzing age, occupation and marital status. Methods: an ecological, descriptive and temporal study was realized with data obtained in a private health plan of Criciúma in the period from January to December of 2010. Results: We analyzed medical records of 30 women all mothers attending a private health plan during the year 2010. The incidence of cesarean section was 80%, and 20% of normal birth. The main indications were cephalopelvic disproportion (50%) and prior cesarean (16.7%). Women undergoing cesarean section had an average age of 30.54 years (± 5.42), 66.7% work and 87.5% had a stable relationship. The average APGAR of the newborns was 8.96 (± 0.20) at 1 minute and 9.08 (± 0.28) at 5 minutes. We found a significant association between the mode of delivery and the expenses, with the cesarean greater than vaginal deliveries (p = 0.013). Conclusions: The incidence of cesarean in private health plans studied was high, the major indication was the Cephalopelvic Disproportion, with the cesarean greater than vaginal deliveries. Therefore, we suggest future studies on the subject, so that it best characterized the incidence of cesarean, whereas this question varies according to the model of health in each country and sociocultural characteristics.
Body composition and resting metabolic rate in obese adolescents
Authors: Oliveira Bruno A. P. de , Gardim Camila B. , Ferreira Carolina N. , Cayres Suziane U. , Freitas Junior Ismael F.
Published: January 2016

Objective: Analyze body composition and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in obese adolescents. Methods: 58 obese adolescents were assessed between 12 and 16 years (13.7 ± 1.2 years). The body composition was measured dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The resting metabolic rate and oxidation of glucose and lipids were determined by measuring the oxygen consumption and the production of carbon dioxide. Student t test was used for independent data, multiple linear regression and Pearson correlation, significance was set p <5%. Results: Significant differences were observed in the percentage of body fat (p = 0.01), percentage of lean body mass (LBM) (p = 0.01), percentage body fat (p = 0.01), lower limb lean mass (p = 0.01) and resting metabolic rate (p = 0.04) between males and females. The LBM is highlighted as the best predictor of RMR (p = 0.01). There was a positive correlation between RMR and LBM, as observed association between lipid oxidation and LBM. Conclusion: Total body composition and segment influence the resting metabolic rate and substrate oxidation. In addition, the LBM can be considered a factor of increased resting energy expenditure in obese adolescents.
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: an update on epidemiological and molecular aspects
Authors: Alves Everton F. , Borelli Sueli D. , Tsuneto Luiza T.
Published: January 2016

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common hereditary cause of chronic kidney disease stage 5 and represents 3% to 10.3% among patients undergoing dialysis in Brazil. The ADPKD is caused by mutations in one of two genes, PKD1 or PKD2 encoding hence the polycystins 1 and 2 involved in cyst formation. The disease is characterized by progressive growth and development of multiple bilateral renal cysts which lead to loss of kidney function. The ADPKD presents several renal and extrarenal clinical manifestations, and comorbidities. Some diagnostic strategies are regarded as first choice for clinical and molecular investigation of the ADPKD. The knowledge of molecular aspects in association with the clinical manifestations presented by the epidemiology of the disease provides better understanding of the mechanisms of cystogenesis and greater diagnostic accuracy