bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular Responses in the Skin: an Accessible Model of Inflammation
Authors: Clough Geraldine F. , Church Martin K.
Published: March 2015

The skin is the most accessible organ of the human body in which to study the inflammatory process. Until recently, changes in vascular perfusion and permeability could only be superficially visualized. A novel combination of techniques has now provided the appropriate tools with which to study this more extensively in humans.
Central Synaptic Integration: Linear After All?
Authors: Stricker C.
Published: March 2015

Unitary synaptic currents in hippocampus show small variability. Experimental evidence suggests that the neuron is endowed with mechanisms to reduce location-dependent differences in amplitude and time course of synaptic events, contributing to small variability. These mechanisms may allow the neuron to count individual quanta and thereby linearize integration of unitary events.
Rapidly Exchanging Ca2+ Stores: Ubiquitous Partners of Surface Channels in Neurons
Authors: Meldolesi Jacopo
Published: March 2015

Neuronal rapidly exchanging Ca2+ stores coincide with the endoplasmic reticulum and possess ample, nonrandom distribution, dual receptor channels, IP3 and ryanodine receptors, and heterogeneous membranes. Because of these properties, the stores are able to reinforce and expand the Ca2+ signals generated at the surface, working as partners of voltage- and receptor-gated channels.
Massive Temporal Lobe Cholesteatoma
Authors: Waidyasekara Pasan , Dowthwaite Samuel A. , Stephenson Ellison , Bhuta Sandeep , McMonagle Brent
Published: March 2015

Introduction. Intracranial extension of cholesteatoma is rare. This may occur de novo or recur some time later either contiguous with or separate to the site of the original cholesteatoma.Presentation of Case. A 63-year-old female presented to a tertiary referral hospital with a fluctuating level of consciousness, fever, headache, and right-sided otorrhoea, progressing over several days. Her past medical history included surgery for right ear cholesteatoma and drainage of intracranial abscess 23 years priorly. There had been no relevant symptoms in the interim until 6 weeks prior to this presentation. Imaging demonstrated a large right temporal lobe mass contiguous with the middle ear and mastoid cavity with features consistent with cholesteatoma. The patient underwent a combined transmastoid/middle fossa approach for removal of the cholesteatoma and repair of the tegmen dehiscence. The patient made an uneventful recovery and remains well over 12 months later.Conclusion. This case presentation details a large intracranial cholesteatoma which had extended through a tegmen tympani dehiscence from recurrent right ear cholesteatoma treated by modified radical mastoidectomy over two decades priorly. There was a completely asymptomatic progression of disease until several weeks prior to this presentation.
Integrated Cost and Schedule Control Systems for Nuclear Power Plant Construction: Leveraging Strategic Advantages to Owners and EPC Firms
Authors: Jung Youngsoo , Moon Byeong-Suk , Kim Yun-Myung , Kim Woojoong
Published: March 2015

As the owners expect that the cost and time for nuclear power plant construction would decrease with new entrants into the market, there will be severer competition in the nuclear industry. In order to achieve performance improvement and to attain competitive advantages under the globalized competition, practitioners and researchers in the nuclear industry have recently exerted efforts to develop an advanced and efficient management methodology for the nuclear mega-projects. Among several candidates, integrated cost and schedule control system is of great concern because it can effectively manage the three most important project performances including cost, time, and quality. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to develop a project numbering system (PNS) of integrated cost and schedule control system for nuclear power plant construction. Distinct attributes of nuclear power plant construction were investigated first in order to identify influencing variables that characterize real-world implementation of advanced cost and schedule controls. A scenario was then developed and analysed to simulate a case-project. By using this case-project, proposed management requirements, management methods, measurement techniques, data structure, and data collection methods for integrated cost and schedule PNS were illustrated. Finally, findings and implications are outlined, and recommendations for further research are presented.
Characteristics of Summer Precipitation around the Western Ghats and the Myanmar West Coast
Authors: Shrestha Dibas , Deshar Rashila , Nakamura Kenji
Published: March 2015

Characteristics of summer (June–August) precipitation over two coastal mountain regions in South Asia (Western Ghats: WG and Myanmar West Coast: MWC) with a focus on topographic impact are analyzed using the 13-year (1998–2010) high spatial resolution (0.05° × 0.05°) version 6 data obtained from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR). A relationship between precipitation patterns and topography was observed in the coastal mountains. In both the WG and MWC, maximum rainfall along a tight line on the upwind side of the coastal mountains is primarily attributed to rain frequency. However, intense precipitation was observed over the offshore regions. Compared with the WG, deeper and large-scale precipitation systems develop over the MWC, producing more intense rainfall. It is suggested that insufficient humidity deters large-scale convection over the WG, and the atmosphere is sufficiently moist over the MWC.
The Impact of Intensified Hemodialysis on Pruritus in an End Stage Renal Disease Patient with Biliary Ductopenia
Authors: Chomicki Sandra , Dahmani Omar
Published: March 2015

We report a unique observation characterized by the coexistence of idiopathic adulthood ductopenia (IAD), a rare cholestatic disease, and end stage renal failure treated by conventional hemodialysis in a patient awaiting double renal and liver transplantation. As pruritus gradually worsened, we hypothesized that intensified dialysis could alleviate the symptoms. Conventional hemodialysis following 3 hours/3 times a week regimen was initiated in December 2013. Due to increasing pruritus not responding to standard medical therapy, intensified hemodialysis following 2.5 hours/5 times a week regimen was started in May 2014. During two weeks, a temporary decrease in bilirubin levels was observed. No major changes on other liver function tests and inflammatory markers occurred. Nevertheless, a persistent improvement on pruritus and general wellbeing was obtained during the four weeks’ study period. The pathogenesis of itch encompasses multiple factors, and, in our case, both uremic and cholestatic pruritus are involved, although the latter is likely to account for a greater proportion. By improving itch intensity, through better clearance of uremic and cholestatic toxins which we detail further, intensive dialysis appears to be an acceptable short-term method for patients with hepatic cholestasis and moderate pruritus not responding to conventional therapy. Additional studies are needed to assess and differentiate precisely factors contributing to pruritus of both origins.
Prostate Cancer Metastatic to the Cervical Lymph Nodes
Authors: Sepúlveda Luis , Gorgal Tiago , Pires Vanessa , Rodrigues Filipe
Published: March 2015

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, often presenting with regional lymph node or bone metastasis and rarely with supradiaphragmatic lymph node involvement. Most metastatic cancers involving the cervical lymph nodes are from cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract. In this report, we describe two cases with cervical lymph node enlargement due to metastatic prostate cancer as the initial clinical presentation: a 43-year-old male, initially misdiagnosed with a tumor of the upper aerodigestive tract and an 87-year-old male with right lobe pneumonia and cervical lymph node enlargement, initially attributed to be an acute inflammatory lymph node reaction. To the best of our knowledge, there are less than 50 cases reported in the literature of adenocarcinoma of prostate metastatic to the cervical lymph nodes and only one case presenting in men younger than 45 years. The authors intend to highlight the importance of digital rectal exam and PSA test in case of persistent left cervical lymph node enlargement, including men younger than 45 years of age.
Effect of Different Polishing Methods on Anodic Titanium Dioxide Formation
Authors: Jarosz Magdalena , Kapusta-Kołodziej Joanna , Jaskuła Marian , Sulka Grzegorz D.
Published: March 2015

Among various methods of synthesis of nanostructured TiO2, a self‐organized anodization is the most commonly used and discussed in the literature. However, different methods of pretreatment of Ti before anodic titanium dioxide (ATO) formation are not often addressed. Therefore, various polishing procedures based on mechanical, chemical, electrochemical, and combined electrochemical with chemical pretreatments were examined to establish whether they represent effective methods for smooth Ti surface preparation before anodization. The ATO layers were prepared via two‐step anodization carried out in an ethylene glycol solution containing fluoride ions at 20°C and under the anodizing potential of 60 V. The influence of applied polishing method on the cell size, pore diameter, pore circularity, pore density, and porosity of the top ATO layer was studied. In addition, the effect of polishing procedure on cell arrangement in ATO films was also investigated. The quantitative analyses of the regularity of cell arrangement, based on the regularity ratio derived from bottom‐view SEM images, showed that the type of polishing procedure does not affect the cell order.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Polymorphism Is Associated with Susceptibility to Inflammatory Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Ji Kangting , Wang Xiaoyan , Li Ji , Lu Qin , Wang Guoqiang , Xue Yangjing , Zhang Suqin , Qian Lu , Wu Wenwu , Zhu Yongjin , Wang Luping , Liao Lianming , Tang Jifei
Published: March 2015

Background. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine. This study explored the association of 173G/C polymorphism of the MIF gene with coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods. Sequencing was carried out after polymerase chain reaction with DNA specimens from 186 volunteers without CHD and 70 patients with CHD. Plasma MIF levels on admission were measured by ELISA. Patients were classified into either stable angina pectoris (SAP) or unstable angina pectoris (UAP). Genotype distribution between cases and controls and the association of patients’ genotypes with MIF level and plaque stability were statistically evaluated (ethical approval number: 2012-01).Results. The frequency of the C genotype was higher in CHD patients than in the control (P=0.014). The frequency of the 173*CC genotype was higher in CHD patients than in the control (P=0.005). The plasma MIF level was higher in MIF173*C carriers than in MIF173*G carriers (P=0.033). CHD patients had higher plasma MIF levels than the control (P=0.000). Patients with UAP had higher plasma MIF levels than patients with SAP (P=0.014).Conclusions. These data suggest that MIF −173G/C polymorphism may be related to the development of CHD in a Chinese population. Plasma MIF level is a predictor of plaque stability. This trial is registered withNCT01750502.
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy in Africa
Authors: Kasem M. A. , Harith M. A.
Published: March 2015

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), known also as laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS), is a well-known spectrochemical elemental analysis technique. The field of LIBS has been rapidly matured as a consequence of growing interest in real-time analysis across a broad spectrum of applied sciences and recent development of commercial LIBS analytical systems. In this brief review, we introduce the contributions of the research groups in the African continent in the field of the fundamentals and applications of LIBS. As it will be shown, the fast development of LIBS in Africa during the last decade was mainly due to the broad environmental, industrial, archaeological, and biomedical applications of this technique.
CSN: The Conceptually Manageable Sensor Network
Authors: Joe Woojin , Lee Jonghyun , Jeong Karpjoo
Published: March 2015

For the last decade, computer science and information technology have been rapidly expanding their application areas from computation and data processing inside computers to the real time monitoring and management of the real world outside computers. For those emerging applications such as Internet of Things, the flexible, scalable, and interoperable, collaborating sensor networks are crucial. In this paper, we present a sensor network system called the conceptually manageable sensor network (CSN). CSN is intended to support the conceptual management and integration of sensor networks and to provide well-defined and logical APIs for the facilitation of application development. The CSN design is based on the simple and intuitive conceptual model: sets and message queues. In order to minimize the system development efforts and to inherit the system quality of production level open source software, the CSN system is intentionally implemented as a set of extensions to the open source messaging system called ActiveMQ. We conducted some preliminary usability and performance tests for the current CSN implementation. For the usability test, we used data sets from a real world project for the energy-efficient management of Indoor Air Quality in subway stations. Both usability and performance tests showed promising results.
Adipose-Derived Stems Cells and Their Role in Human Cancer Development, Growth, Progression, and Metastasis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Freese Kyle E. , Kokai Lauren , Edwards Robert P. , Philips Brian J. , Sheikh M. Aamir , Kelley Joseph , Comerci John , Marra Kacey G. , Rubin J. Peter , Linkov Faina
Published: March 2015

Obesity is a well recognized risk factor for several types of cancers, many of which occur solely or disproportionately in women. Adipose tissue is a rich source of adipose-derived stem cells (ASC), which have received attention for their role in cancer behavior. The purpose of this systematic review is to present the existing literature on the role of ASCs in the growth, development, progression, and metastasis of cancer, with an emphasis on malignancies that primarily affect women. To accomplish this goal, the bibliographic database PubMed was systematically searched for articles published between 2001 and 2014 that address ASCs' relationship to human cancer. Thirty-seven articles on ASCs' role in human cancer were reviewed. Literature suggests that ASCs exhibit cancer-promoting properties, influence/are influenced by the tumor microenvironment, promote angiogenesis, and may be associated with pathogenic processes through a variety of mechanisms, such as playing a role in hypoxic tumor microenvironment. ASCs appear to be important contributors to tumor behavior, but research in areas specific to women's cancers, specifically endometrial cancer, is scarce. Also, because obesity continues to be a major health concern, it is important to continue research in this area to improve understanding of the impact adiposity has on cancer incidence. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1161–8. ©2015 AACR.
The Role of Chondroitinase as an Adjuvant to Peripheral Nerve Repair
Authors: Gause II Trenton M. , Sivak Wesley N. , Marra Kacey G.
Published: March 2015

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are potent inhibitors of neural regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. Following nerve injury, inhibitory CSPGs accumulate within the endoneurium and Schwann cell basal lamina of the distal nerve stump. The utilization of chondroitinase ABC (chABC) has led to a marked increase in the ability of injured axons to regenerate across gaps through the CSPG-laden extracellular matrix. Experimental models have repeatedly shown chABC to be capable of degrading the CSPGs that hinder neurite outgrowth. In this article, the characterization of CSPGs, their upregulation following peripheral nerve injury, and potential mechanisms behind their growth and inhibition are described. To date, the literature supports that the adjunct use of chABC may be beneficial to peripheral nerve repair in digesting inhibitory CSPGs. chABC has also shown some indication of synergism with other therapies, such as stem cell transplantation. Evidence supporting the use of chondroitinase as a treatment modality in nerve repair, either alone or in combination with other agents, is reviewed within. Finally, several shortcomings of chABC are addressed, notably its thermal stability and physiologic longevity - both hindering its widespread clinical adoption. Future studies are warranted in order to optimize the therapeutic benefits of the chondroitinase enzyme.
Noninvasive Imaging of Peripheral Nerves
Authors: Rangavajla Gautam , Mokarram Nassir , Masoodzadehgan Nazanin , Pai S. Balakrishna , Bellamkonda Ravi V.
Published: March 2015

Recent developments in the field of peripheral nerve imaging extend the capabilities of imaging modalities to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with peripheral nerve maladies. Methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its derivative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), ultrasound (US) and positron emission tomography (PET) are capable of assessing nerve structure and function following injury and relating the state of the nerve to electrophysiological and histological analysis. Of the imaging methods surveyed here, each offered unique and interesting advantages related to the field. MRI offered the opportunity to visualize immune activity on the injured nerve throughout the course of the regeneration process, and DTI offered numerical characterization of the injury and the ability to develop statistical bases for diagnosing injury. US extends imaging to the treatment phase by enabling more precise analgesic applications following surgery, and PET represents a novel method of assessing nerve injury through analysis of relative metabolism rates in injured and healthy tissue. Exciting new possibilities to enhance and extend the abilities of imaging methods are also discussed, including innovative contrast agents, some of which enable multimodal imaging approaches and present opportunities for treatment application.
Assessing Risk Factors for Dental Caries: A Statistical Modeling Approach
Authors: Trottini Mario , Bossù Maurizio , Corridore Denise , Ierardo Gaetano , Luzzi Valeria , Saccucci Matteo , Polimeni Antonella
Published: March 2015

The problem of identifying potential determinants and predictors of dental caries is of key importance in caries research and it has received considerable attention in the scientific literature. From the methodological side, a broad range of statistical models is currently available to analyze dental caries indices (DMFT, dmfs, etc.). These models have been applied in several studies to investigate the impact of different risk factors on the cumulative severity of dental caries experience. However, in most of the cases (i) these studies focus on a very specific subset of risk factors; and (ii) in the statistical modeling only few candidate models are considered and model selection is at best only marginally addressed. As a result, our understanding of the robustness of the statistical inferences with respect to the choice of the model is very limited; the richness of the set of statistical models available for analysis in only marginally exploited; and inferences could be biased due the omission of potentially important confounding variables in the model's specification. In this paper we argue that these limitations can be overcome considering a general class of candidate models and carefully exploring the model space using standard model selection criteria and measures of global fit and predictive performance of the candidate models. Strengths and limitations of the proposed approach are illustrated with a real data set. In our illustration the model space contains more than 2.6 million models, which require inferences to be adjusted for ‘optimism'.
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Associated with Tension-Type Headache: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Hsiao Po-Chou , Hu Hsiao-Yun , Yang Tzong-Hann , Lee Fei-Peng , Huang Hung-Meng
Published: March 2015

Objectives: This study explored the relationship between sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and prior tension-type headache (TTH) in a large nationwide population-based data set in Taiwan. Methods: In this case-controlled study in Taiwan, participants with SSNHL (n = 4,683) were identified, and controls (n = 18,732) were randomly selected from the National Health Insurance database. Cases of TTH were identified by having been diagnosed as TTH prior to the index date of SSNHL diagnosis. A conditional logistic regression model was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of sudden deafness with TTH among the sampled patients. Results: Among the 23,415 patients, 2.5% (600/23,415) had TTH diagnoses prior to the index date; TTH was diagnosed in 4.5% (209/4,683) of the SSNHL group and 2.1% (391/18,732) of the control group. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid medical disorders, we found that patients with SSNHL were more likely to have had a previous TTH than controls (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.54-2.24; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Both male and female patients with SSNHL had a higher proportion of prior TTH than controls without SSNHL.
The Role of Schwann Cell-Axon Interaction in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Namgung Uk
Published: March 2015

After peripheral nerve injury, Schwann cells are released from the degenerating nerve, dedifferentiated, and then actively participate in axonal regeneration. Dedifferentiated Schwann cells, together with macrophages, are involved in eliminating myelin debris, forming bands of Büngner that provide pathways for regenerating axons, and redifferentiating for remyelination. Activation of Erk1/2 and c-Jun was shown to induce stepwise repair programs in Schwann cells, indicating that plastic changes in Schwann cell activity contribute to interaction with axons for regeneration. Schwann cell β1 integrin was identified to mediate the Cdc2-vimentin pathway and further connect to adaptor molecules in the growth cone of regenerating axons through the binding of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Timely interaction between Schwann cells and the axon (S-A) is critical to achieving efficient axonal regeneration because the delay in S-A interaction results in retarded nerve repair and chronic nerve damage. By comparing with the role of Schwann cells in developing nerves, this review is focused on cellular and molecular aspects of Schwann cell interaction with axons at the early stages of regeneration.
Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection in the Hemodialysis Population from Three Romanian Regions
Authors: Schiller Adalbert , Timar Romulus , Siriopol Dimitrie , Timar Bogdan , Bob Flaviu , Schiller Oana , Drug Vasile , Mihaescu Adelina , Covic Adrian
Published: March 2015

Background: After 10 years of systematically nationwide applied measures for reduction of infection risk, in this national prospective observational study, we reassessed the prevalence of hepatitis virus infection prevalence and its influence on the outcome of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients treated with hemodialysis. Methods: Six-hundred ESKD patients (332 men and 268 women, median age 56 years) treated with chronic HD in seven centers from all the historical regions of Romania have been assigned to this study on 1st of November 2010. The aims of this study were to reevaluate the prevalence of the hepatitis B and C virus infection in a HD population from Romania after 10 years of systematically nationwide applied measures for reduction of infection risk and also to assess the impact of these infections on the prognosis of HD patients. Results: HBsAg was positive in 9.5% (n = 57) of the patients, anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 27.3% (n = 164) and 5% (n = 30) were positive for both HBV and HCV infection. The mortality risk was significantly influenced only by age, the presence of coronary artery disease and the 25 OH vitamin D levels. Conclusions: This study shows that the systematically nationwide applied measures for reduction of infection risk significantly decreased HV infection prevalence in HD patients in Romania. The presence of HV infection did not significantly influence the mortality risk in this population.
The Benefit of a Glucose-Sparing PD Therapy on Glycemic Control Measured by Serum Fructosamine in Diabetic Patients in a Randomized, Controlled Trial (IMPENDIA)
Authors: Li Philip K.T. , Dorval Marc , Johnson David W. , Rutherford Peter , Shutov Evgeny , Story Ken , Bargman Joanne M.
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: Poor glycemic control can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Serum fructosamine may be a more reliable marker of glycemic control than HbA1c in dialysis patients. Methods: We evaluated the effects of a glucose-sparing PD regimen on serum fructosamine. In the multicenter, controlled IMPENDIA trial, eligible diabetic PD patients were randomized (1:1) to a 24-hour combination of a glucose sparing regimen (n = 89) or a glucose-based therapy (n = 91). Serum fructosamine and HbA1c were measured at baseline, 3 months and 6 months; fructosamine measurements were corrected for serum albumin (AlbF). Results: Serum fructosamine decreased from 297 to 253 µmol/l in the glucose-sparing group (95% confidence interval [CI] for the difference, −26 to −68, p < 0.001), and increased from 311 to 314 µmol/l in the glucose-only group (95% CI for the difference, −23 to +19, p = 0.87). The mean difference in change of fructosamine levels between groups at 6 months was 64 µmol/l (95% CI 29-99, p < 0.001). HbA1c decreased versus baseline in both groups (treatment difference 0.3%, p = 0.07). The correlation between AlbF and baseline fasting serum glucose was stronger than that seen between HbA1c and baseline fasting serum glucose (r = 0.47, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.31, p < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusion: A glucose-sparing regimen (P-E-N) improved glycemic control as measured by serum fructosamine. Further studies are needed to establish fructosamine targets that will reduce the morbidity risk related to hyperglycemia in PD patients.
Salvage Radical Prostatectomy after External Beam Radiation Therapy: A Systematic Review of Current Approaches
Authors: Matei Deliu Victor , Ferro Matteo , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja , Renne Giuseppe , Crisan Nicolae , Bottero Danilo , Mazzarella Claudia , Terracciano Daniela , Autorino Riccardo , De Cobelli Ottavio
Published: March 2015

Background: Radical external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is a standard treatment for prostate cancer patients. Despite this, the rate of intraprostatic relapses after primary EBRT is still not negligible. There is no consensus on the most appropriate management of these patients after EBRT failure. For these patients, local salvage therapy such as radical prostatectomy, cryotherapy, and brachytherapy may be indicated. Objective: The objectives of this review were to analyze the eligibility criteria for careful selection of appropriate patients and to evaluate the oncological results and complications for each method. Methods: A review of the literature was performed to identify studies of local salvage therapy for patients who had failed primary EBRT for localized prostate cancer. Results: Most studies demonstrated that local salvage therapy after EBRT may provide long-term local control in appropriately selected patients, although toxicity is often significant. Conclusions: Our results suggest that for localized prostate cancer recurrence after EBRT, the selection of a local treatment modality should be made on a patient-by-patient basis. An improvement in selection criteria and an integrated definition of biochemical failure for all salvage methods are required to determine which provides the best oncological outcome and least comorbidity.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Zojaji Ramin , Naghibzadeh Masoud , Mazloum Farsi Baf Morteza , Nekooei Sirous , Bataghva Behrokh , Noorbakhsh Sara
Published: March 2015

Introduction: This study assessed the agreement of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan and sinus endoscopy findings and attempted to find a diagnostic accuracy of CBCT in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: Forty-two patients with CRS referred to the Aria and 22 Bahman Hospitals in Mashhad, Iran, during the year 2011 were included in this cross-sectional study. Paranasal sinus CBCT scanning and endoscopy were performed in all patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), and accuracy of CBCT were determined, and the agreement between CBCT and endoscopy findings was evaluated. Results: In most of our findings, except for infundibulum thickening, there was a strong agreement between CBCT and paranasal sinus endoscopy, with a kappa coefficient >0.80 (p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of CBCT were >80% for most of the findings, except for infundibulum thickening and septal deviation. Conclusion: CBCT has nearly the same diagnostic accuracy as sinus endoscopy. The accuracy of CBCT scanning is high, and CBCT findings are well correlated with sinus endoscopy findings. Considering its high accuracy and lower costs and radiation doses, CBCT may be a proper alternative method for diagnostic sinus endoscopy in the assessment of CRS in patients with a contraindication for sinus endoscopy.
Chronic Administration of the Nitroxyl Donor 1-Nitrosocyclo Hexyl Acetate Limits Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Diabetes Mellitus In Vivo
Authors: Cao Nga , Wong Yung George , Rosli Sarah , Kiriazis Helen , Huynh Karina , Qin Chengxue , Du Xiao-Jun , Kemp-Harper Barbara K. , Ritchie Rebecca H.
Published: March 2015

Background—

Nitroxyl (HNO), a redox congener of nitric oxide (NO·), is a novel regulator of cardiovascular function, combining concomitant positive inotropic, lusitropic, and vasodilator properties. Moreover, HNO exhibits myocardial antihypertrophic and superoxide-suppressing actions. Despite these favorable actions, the impact of chronic HNO administration has yet to be reported in the context of cardiomyopathy. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by early diastolic dysfunction and adverse left ventricular (LV) structural remodeling, with LV superoxide generation playing a major causal role. We tested the hypothesis that the HNO donor 1-nitrosocyclohexylacetate (1-NCA) limits cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and LV diastolic dysfunction in a mouse model of diabetes mellitus in vivo.

Methods and Results—

Diabetes mellitus was induced in male FVB/N mice using streptozotocin. After 4 weeks, diabetic and nondiabetic mice were allocated to 1-NCA therapy (83 mg/kg per day IP) or vehicle and followed up for a further 4 weeks. Diabetes mellitus–induced LV diastolic dysfunction was evident on echocardiography-derived E and A wave velocities, E:A ratio, deceleration, and isovolumic relaxation times; LV systolic function was preserved. Increased LV cardiomyocyte size, hypertrophic and profibrotic gene expression, and upregulation of LV superoxide were also evident. These characteristics of diabetic cardiomyopathy were largely prevented by 1-NCA treatment. Selectivity of 1-NCA as an HNO donor was demonstrated by sensitivity of acute 1-NCA to
l
-cysteine but not to hydroxocobalamin in the normal rat heart ex vivo.

Conclusions—

Our studies provide the first evidence that HNO donors may represent a promising strategy for treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy and implies therapeutic efficacy in settings of chronic heart failure.
Effect of Estimated Plasma Volume Reduction on Renal Function for Acute Heart Failure Differs Between Patients With Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Takei Makoto , Kohsaka Shun , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Goda Ayumi , Izumi Yuki , Yagawa Mayuko , Mizuno Atsushi , Sawano Mitsuaki , Inohara Taku , Kohno Takashi , Fukuda Keiichi , Yoshikawa Tsutomu
Published: March 2015

Background—

The prognostic relevance of plasma volume reduction (PVR) in acute heart failure patients remains unclear because of the confounding hemodynamic effect of left ventricular ejection fraction impairment on kidney function.

Methods and Results—

Subjects enrolled in the West Tokyo Heart Failure Registry were examined. The PV at admission and discharge was estimated from the subjects’ body weight and its deviation from the ideal body weight. Patients in the top tertile of estimated PVR were classified as PVR+. Of the 381 patients with acute heart failure, 181 (47.5%) had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Estimated PVR was associated with worsening renal function in the HFpEF (odds ratio, 3.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.55–6.96;
P
=0.002) but not in the heart failure with reduced ejection fraction cohort (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.61–2.42;
P
=0.57). This association in the HFpEF cohort remained significant after adjusting for a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (odds ratio, 3.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.52–7.33;
P
=0.003). The use of intravenous diuretics was a significant predictor of PVR in the HFpEF and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction groups.

Conclusions—

The effect of estimated PVR differs by HF type, and the estimated PVR during hospitalization is a predictor of worsening renal function in patients with HFpEF but not in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.html
. Unique identifier: UMIN000001549.
Nonvenous Origin of Dermal Lymphatic Vasculature
Authors: Martinez-Corral Ines , Ulvmar Maria H. , Stanczuk Lukas , Tatin Florence , Kizhatil Krishnakumar , John Simon W.M. , Alitalo Kari , Ortega Sagrario , Makinen Taija
Published: March 2015

Rationale:

The formation of the blood vasculature is achieved via 2 fundamentally different mechanisms, de novo formation of vessels from endothelial progenitors (vasculogenesis) and sprouting of vessels from pre-existing ones (angiogenesis). In contrast, mammalian lymphatic vasculature is thought to form exclusively by sprouting from embryonic veins (lymphangiogenesis). Alternative nonvenous sources of lymphatic endothelial cells have been suggested in chicken and Xenopus, but it is unclear whether they exist in mammals.

Objective:

We aimed to clarify the origin of the murine dermal lymphatic vasculature.

Methods and Results:

We performed lineage tracing experiments and analyzed mutants lacking the
Prox1
transcription factor, a master regulator of lymphatic endothelial cell identity, in
Tie2
lineage venous–derived lymphatic endothelial cells. We show that, contrary to current dogma, a significant part of the dermal lymphatic vasculature forms independently of sprouting from veins. Although lymphatic vessels of cervical and thoracic skin develop via sprouting from venous-derived lymph sacs, vessels of lumbar and dorsal midline skin form via assembly of non–
Tie2
-lineage cells into clusters and vessels through a process defined as lymphvasculogenesis.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate a significant contribution of nonvenous-derived cells to the dermal lymphatic vasculature. Demonstration of a previously unknown lymphatic endothelial cell progenitor population will now allow further characterization of their origin, identity, and functions during normal lymphatic development and in pathology, as well as their potential therapeutic use for lymphatic regeneration.
Late Systolic Central Hypertension as a Predictor of Incident Heart Failure: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Chirinos Julio A. , Segers Patrick , Duprez Daniel A. , Brumback Lyndia , Bluemke David A. , Zamani Payman , Kronmal Richard , Vaidya Dhananjay , Ouyang Pamela , Townsend Raymond R. , Jacobs David R.
Published: March 2015

Background

Experimental studies demonstrate that high aortic pressure in late systole relative to early systole causes greater myocardial remodeling and dysfunction, for any given absolute peak systolic pressure.

Methods and Results

We tested the hypothesis that late systolic hypertension, defined as the ratio of late (last one third of systole) to early (first two thirds of systole) pressure–time integrals (
PTI
) of the aortic pressure waveform, independently predicts incident heart failure (
HF
) in the general population. Aortic pressure waveforms were derived from a generalized transfer function applied to the radial pressure waveform recorded noninvasively from 6124 adults. The late/early systolic
PTI
ratio (L/

E
SPTI

) was assessed as a predictor of incident
HF
during median 8.5 years of follow‐up. The L/

E
SPTI

was predictive of incident
HF
(hazard ratio per 1% increase=1.22; 95%
CI
=1.15 to 1.29;
P
<0.0001) even after adjustment for established risk factors for
HF
(
HR
=1.23; 95%
CI
=1.14 to 1.32:
P
<0.0001). In a multivariate model that included brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure and other standard risk factors of
HF
, L/

E
SPTI

was the modifiable factor associated with the greatest improvements in model performance. A high L/

E
SPTI

(>58.38%) was more predictive of
HF
than the presence of hypertension. After adjustment for each other and various predictors of
HF
, the
HR
associated with hypertension was 1.39 (95%
CI
=0.86 to 2.23;
P
=0.18), whereas the
HR
associated with a high L/E was 2.31 (95%
CI
=1.52 to 3.49;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions

Independently of the absolute level of peak pressure, late systolic hypertension is strongly associated with incident
HF
in the general population.
Alternative Calculations of Individual Patient Time in Therapeutic Range While Taking Warfarin: Results From the ROCKET AF Trial
Authors: Singer Daniel E. , Hellkamp Anne S. , Yuan Zhong , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Patel Manesh R. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Hankey Graeme J. , Breithardt Günter , Halperin Jonathan L. , Becker Richard C. , Hacke Werner , Nessel Christopher C. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Fox Keith A. A. , Califf Robert M. ,   for the ROCKET AF Investigators
Published: March 2015

Background

In the
ROCKET AF
(Rivaroxaban–Once‐daily, oral, direct Factor Xa inhibition Compared with vitamin K antagonism for prevention of stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation) trial, marked regional differences in control of warfarin anticoagulation, measured as the average individual patient time in the therapeutic range (
iTTR
) of the international normalized ratio (
INR
), were associated with longer inter‐
INR
test intervals. The standard
R
osendaal approach can produce biased low estimates of
TTR
after an appropriate dose change if the follow‐up
INR
test interval is prolonged. We explored the effect of alternative calculations of
TTR
that more immediately account for dose changes on regional differences in mean
iTTR
in the
ROCKET AF
trial.

Methods and Results

We used an
INR
imputation method that accounts for dose change. We compared group mean
iTTR
values between our dose change–based method with the standard
R
osendaal method and determined that the differences between approaches depended on the balance of dose changes that produced in‐range
INR
s (“corrections”) versus
INR
s that were out of range in the opposite direction (“overshoots”). In
ROCKET AF
, the overall mean
iTTR
of 55.2% (Rosendaal) increased up to 3.1% by using the dose change–based approach, depending on assumptions. However, large inter‐regional differences in anticoagulation control persisted.

Conclusions

TTR
, the standard measure of control of warfarin anticoagulation, depends on imputing daily
INR
values for the vast majority of follow‐up days. Our
TTR
calculation method may better reflect the impact of warfarin dose changes than the Rosendaal approach. In the
ROCKET AF
trial, this dose change–based approach led to a modest increase in overall mean
iTTR
but did not materially affect the large inter‐regional differences previously reported.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00403767.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Is Associated With the Progression of Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults
Authors: Moon Jae Hoon , Lim Soo , Han Ji Won , Kim Kyoung Min , Choi Sung Hee , Park Kyong Soo , Kim Ki Woong , Jang Hak Chul
Published: March 2015

Background and Purpose—

We investigated the association between cardiovascular risk factors, including carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and future risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in elderly subjects.

Methods—

We conducted a population-based prospective study as a part of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging. Our study included 348 participants who were nondemented at the baseline (mean age, 71.7±6.3 years) and underwent cognitive evaluation at the 5-year follow-up. Baseline cardiovascular risk factors were compared according to the development of MCI or dementia during the study period.

Results—

At the baseline evaluation, 278 subjects were cognitively normal and 70 subjects had MCI. Diagnoses of cognitive function either remained unchanged or improved during the study period in 292 subjects (nonprogression group), whereas 56 subjects showed progression of cognitive impairment to MCI or dementia (progression group). The progression group exhibited a higher prevalence of hypertension and greater CIMT compared with the nonprogression group. Other baseline cardiovascular risk factors, including sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, waist-to-hip ratio, visceral fat, pulse wave velocity, and ankle-brachial index, were not significantly different between 2 groups. The association between greater baseline CIMT and the progression of cognitive impairment was maintained after adjustment for conventional baseline risk factors of cognitive impairment. Greater baseline CIMT was also independently associated with the development of MCI in the subjects whose baseline cognitive function was normal.

Conclusions—

Greater baseline CIMT was independently associated with the risk of cognitive impairment, such as MCI and dementia in elderly subjects.
Removal of the vomeronasal organ impairs predator odor detection in female golden hamsters
Authors: Zhao Xin , Liu Dingzhen
Published: March 2015

The main and accessory olfactory systems of mammals are involved in the detection of predator odor; however, the relative importance assigned to each varies between studies. We examined the behavioral responses of vomeronasal organ removed (VNOx) and sham operated (VNOi) female golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) to urine odor from a predator, the ferret (Mustela putorius furo). We quantified the duration and frequency of the defensive behaviors vigilant rearing and concealment, and the neutral behaviors grooming and investigation, in female golden hamsters in a visible burrow system. We found that VNOx females exposed to predator urine odor spent significantly less time in concealment and more time rearing than VNOi females. Further experiments in which females were exposed to formaldehyde odor showed that their behavioral responses to ferret odor differed from those to formaldehyde odor. This shows that the female hamsters’ behavioral responses are not adverse reactions to noxious odors, but typical reactions to predators. Golden hamsters have been laboratory-reared for over 80 years, but defensive behavior in females appears to be innate and can be impaired by surgical removal of the vomeronasal organ. Therefore, the accessory olfactory system, via the vomeronasal organ, plays a role in the detection of predator odor by golden hamsters, even though it has not been found to function in conspecific odor discrimination.
Are leaf-litter anurans with aquatic reproduction affected by distance to forest edge and presence of predators?
Authors: Correa Fabricio Simões , Rodrigues Lenise Chagas
Published: March 2015

Both habitat fragmentation and predator abundance are known to affect habitat use. The current study analyzed the use of ponds by leaf-litter anurans in relation to distance to the forest edge and presence of aquatic predators in a forest fragment in Eastern Amazon. We selected three trails perpendicular to the forest edge, and in each trail we positioned nine plastic basins on the forest floor at different distances from the forest edge. From November 2011 to July 2012, each basin was surveyed monthly for presence of evidence of anuran breeding activity and aquatic predators. We recorded 112 instances of use of basins by four anuran species. While we did not observe any influence of distance to the forest edge on use of basins by Rhinella gr. margaritifera and Ameerega trivittata, there was differential use of basins by both species in relation to the presence of aquatic predators. In both cases, species used basins more often when aquatic predators were absent, suggesting that these species adopt strategies that reduce effects of predation and ensures the survival of some tadpoles, either by carrying tadpoles to ponds without predators or producing larger clutches.
The role of photoperiod on the expression of hypothalamic genes regulating appetite in Chevrier’s field mouse (Apodemus chevrieri)
Authors: Zhang Lin , Yang Fang , Cai Jinhong , Huang Chunmei , Wang Zhengkun , Zhu Wanlong
Published: March 2015

The hypothalamus and leptin play a key role in the regulation of food intake. The present study investigated the effects of 4 weeks of short- or long-photoperiod on serum leptin levels and food intake in relation to mRNA expression levels of neuropeptide Y, agouti-related protein, pro-opiomelanocortin, and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript in the hypothalamus of Chevrier’s field mouse (Apodemus chevrieri). There was a significant difference in body fat mass, food intake and neuropeptide Y mRNA expression between the two groups, but serum leptin level, agouti-related protein, pro-opiomelanocortin, and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript mRNA expression in the hypothalamus were not difference between the two groups. The elevation of neuropeptide Y mRNA regulated neuropeptides in the hypothalamus suggests a physiological role of neuroendocrine factors in food intake during the different photoperiod. We conclude that leptin may be involved in energy balance and body mass regulation.
Distribution, abundance and diet of the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata)
Authors: Irshad Nausheen , Mahmood Tariq , Hussain Riaz , Nadeem Muhammad Sajid
Published: March 2015

Endangered species often inhabit specific habitats and are dependent on specific prey. The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is an “endangered”, inimitable mammal currently in jeopardy in Pakistan. Very little data are available about its ecology that could serve as baseline for its conservation. In the current study, we investigated the Indian pangolin’s distribution, abundance and diet in four districts of Potohar Plateau. The species was found evenly distributed in two study districts, while it showed patchy distribution in the remaining two districts, and it occurred up to a maximum elevation of 862 m a.s.l. Population density showed a sharp and significant decline over a period of three years from 2010 to 2013. Faecal matter of the species was found to contain remains of ants (head, abdominal parts, legs) as the second-most voluminous component of the droppings, following soil or clay. Remains of other food sources, like termites, bugs, wood and grasses, were found in minor percentages. Our study reveals that the main prey items of Indian pangolins include two species of black ants (Camponotus confucii and Camponotus compressus), and one species of termite (Odontotermis obesus). The recorded population decline indicates that conservation measures may be needed.