bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Neurovascular Coupling from Clustered Parameter Sets for Multimodal EEG-NIRS
Authors: Talukdar M. Tanveer , Frost H. Robert , Diamond Solomon G.
Published: May 2015

Despite significant improvements in neuroimaging technologies and analysis methods, the fundamental relationship between local changes in cerebral hemodynamics and the underlying neural activity remains largely unknown. In this study, a data driven approach is proposed for modeling this neurovascular coupling relationship from simultaneously acquired electroencephalographic (EEG) and near-infrared spectroscopic (NIRS) data. The approach uses gamma transfer functions to map EEG spectral envelopes that reflect time-varying power variations in neural rhythms to hemodynamics measured with NIRS during median nerve stimulation. The approach is evaluated first with simulated EEG-NIRS data and then by applying the method to experimental EEG-NIRS data measured from 3 human subjects. Results from the experimental data indicate that the neurovascular coupling relationship can be modeled using multiple sets of gamma transfer functions. By applying cluster analysis, statistically significant parameter sets were found to predict NIRS hemodynamics from EEG spectral envelopes. All subjects were found to have significant clustered parameters (P<0.05) for EEG-NIRS data fitted using gamma transfer functions. These results suggest that the use of gamma transfer functions followed by cluster analysis of the resulting parameter sets may provide insights into neurovascular coupling in human neuroimaging data.
Antibacterial Effects and Biocompatibility of Titania Nanotubes with Octenidine Dihydrochloride/Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)
Authors: Xu Zhiqiang , Lai Yingzhen , Wu Dong , Huang Wenxiu , Huang Sijia , Zhou Lin , Chen Jiang
Published: May 2015

Titanium (Ti) implants with long-term antibacterial ability and good biocompatibility are highly desirable materials that can be used to prevent implant-associated infections. In this study, titania nanotubes (TNTs) were synthesized on Ti surfaces through electrochemical anodization. Octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was infiltrated into TNTs using a simple solvent-casting technique. OCT/PLGA-TNTs demonstrated sustained drug release and maintained the characteristic hollow structures of TNTs. TNTs (200 nm in diameter) alone exhibited slight antibacterial effect and good osteogenic activity but also evidently impaired adhesion and proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). OCT/PLGA-TNTs (100 nm in diameter) supported BMSC adhesion and proliferation and showed good osteogenesis-inducing ability. OCT/PLGA-TNTs also exhibited good long-term antibacterial ability within the observation period of 7 d. The synthesized drug carrier with relatively long-term antibacterial ability and enhanced excellent biocompatibility demonstrated significant potential in bone implant applications.
Multidisciplinary Care of Patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Updates in Management
Authors: Lafaro Kelly J. , Cosgrove David , Geschwind Jean-Francois H. , Kamel Ihab , Herman Joseph M. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: May 2015

Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly fatal primary cancer of the bile ducts which arises from malignant transformation of bile duct epithelium. While being an uncommon malignancy with an annual incidence in the United States of 5000 new cases, the incidence has been increasing over the past 30 years and comprises 3% of all gastrointestinal cancers. Cholangiocarcinoma can be classified into intrahepatic (ICC) and extrahepatic (including hilar and distal bile duct) according to its anatomic location within the biliary tree with respect to the liver. This paper reviews the management of ICC, focusing on the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and surgical and nonsurgical management.
Comparison and Characterisation of Regenerated Chitosan from 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride and Chitosan from Crab Shells
Authors: Islam Saniyat , Arnold Lyndon , Padhye Rajiv
Published: May 2015

Chitosan is a biopolymer derived from chitin which is naturally occurring in the exoskeleton of crustaceans. This paper reports dissolution and regeneration of chitosan by directly dissolving in an ionic liquid solvent, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl). This will provide an ideal platform to solubilise these kinds of polymers to achieve the dissolution. The current study dissolved chitosan from crab shell utilising BMIMCl as a solvent and characterised the resultant regenerated polymer. The regenerated chitosan showed increased hydrogen bonding when characterised by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis. In addition, the study also compared the characteristics of regenerated and generic chitosan. The regenerated chitosan was also evaluated for antimicrobial properties and showed to possess antibacterial features similar to the commercial grade. This method can be utilised in future for blending of polymers with chitosan in a dissolved phase.
Multitarget Direct Localization Using Block Sparse Bayesian Learning in Distributed MIMO Radar
Authors: Sun Bin , Chen Haowen , Wei Xizhang , Li Xiang
Published: May 2015

The target localization in distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar is a problem of great interest. This problem becomes more complicated for the case of multitarget where the measurement should be associated with the correct target. Sparse representation has been demonstrated to be a powerful framework for direct position determination (DPD) algorithms which avoid the association process. In this paper, we explore a novel sparsity-based DPD method to locate multiple targets using distributed MIMO radar. Since the sparse representation coefficients exhibit block sparsity, we use a block sparse Bayesian learning (BSBL) method to estimate the locations of multitarget, which has many advantages over existing block sparse model based algorithms. Experimental results illustrate that DPD using BSBL can achieve better localization accuracy and higher robustness against block coherence and compressed sensing (CS) than popular algorithms in most cases especially for dense targets case.
Multibody Finite Element Method and Application in Hydraulic Structure Analysis
Authors: Su Chao , Zhao Yebin , Jiang Yusong
Published: May 2015

Multibody finite element method is proposed for analysis of contact problems in hydraulic structure. This method is based on the block theory of discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) method and combines advantages of finite element method (FEM) and the displacement compatibility equation in classical elastic mechanics. Each single block is analyzed using FEM in corresponding local coordinate system and all contacting blocks need to satisfy the displacement compatibility requirement between any two blocks in a blocky system. It is proved that this method is very efficient and practical to overcome the limitations in DDA method when tackling contact problems, such as the overlap problem and the equal strain assumption. In this paper, detailed theoretical basis and formulations are given. Two numerical examples are performed to verify the proposed method successfully. Furthermore, this method is adopted to study the stability issues of underground houses of a large hydropower station.
Recombinant Phage Coated 1D Al2O3Nanostructures for Controlling the Adhesion and Proliferation of Endothelial Cells
Authors: Lee Juseok , Jeon Hojeong , Haidar Ayman , Abdul-Khaliq Hashim , Veith Michael , Aktas Cenk , Kim Youngjun
Published: May 2015

A novel synthesis of a nanostructured cell adhesive surface is investigated for future stent developments. One-dimensional (1D) Al2O3nanostructures were prepared by chemical vapor deposition of a single source precursor. Afterwards, recombinant filamentous bacteriophages which display a short binding motif with a cell adhesive peptide (RGD) on p3 and p8 proteins were immobilized on these 1D Al2O3nanostructures by a simple dip-coating process to study the cellular response of human endothelial EA hy.926. While the cell density decreased on as-deposited 1D Al2O3nanostructures, we observed enhanced cell proliferation and cell-cell interaction on recombinant phage overcoated 1D Al2O3nanostructures. The recombinant phage overcoating also supports an isotropic cell spreading rather than elongated cell morphology as we observed on as-deposited Al2O31D nanostructures.
Effects of Two Fullerene Derivatives on Monocytes and Macrophages
Authors: Pacor Sabrina , Grillo Alberto , Đorđević Luka , Zorzet Sonia , Lucafò Marianna , Da Ros Tatiana , Prato Maurizio , Sava Gianni
Published: May 2015

Two fullerene derivatives (fullerenes1and2), bearing a hydrophilic chain on the pyrrolidinic nitrogen, were developed with the aim to deliver anticancer agents to solid tumors. These two compounds showed a significantly different behaviour on human neoplastic cell linesin vitroin respect to healthy leukocytes. In particular, the pyrrolidinium ring on the fullerene carbon cage brings to a more active compound. In the present work, we describe the effects of these fullerenes on primary cultures of human monocytes and macrophages, two kinds of immune cells representing the first line of defence in the immune response to foreign materials. These compounds are not recognized by circulating monocytes while they get into macrophages. The evaluation of the pronecrotic or proapoptotic effects, analysed by means of analysis of the purinergic receptor P2X7 activation and of ROS scavenging activity, has allowed us to show that fullerene2, but not its analogue fullerene1, displays toxicity, even though at concentrations higher than those shown to be active on neoplastic cells.
The Guyana Diabetes and Foot Care Project: Improved Diabetic Foot Evaluation Reduces Amputation Rates by Two-Thirds in a Lower Middle Income Country
Authors: Lowe Julia , Sibbald R. Gary , Taha Nashwah Y. , Lebovic Gerald , Rambaran Madan , Martin Carlos , Bhoj Indira , Ostrow Brian
Published: May 2015

Background. Type 2 diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death in Guyana, South America. A complex, interprofessional, quality improvement intervention to improve foot and diabetes care was rolled out in two phases.Methods & Findings. Phase 1: Establishment of an Interprofessional Diabetic Foot Center (DFC) of Excellence to improve foot care and reduce diabetes-related amputations at the national referral hospital. Phase 2: Regionalization to cover 90% of the Guyanese population and expansion to include improved management of diabetes and hypertension. Fourteen key opinion leaders were educated and 340 health care professionals from 97 facilities trained. Eight centers for the evaluation and treatment of foot ulcers were established and 7567 people with diabetes evaluated. 3452 participants had foot screening and 48% were deemed high risk; 10% of these had undocumented foot ulcers. There was a 68% reduction in rate of major amputations (P<0.0001); below knee amputations were decreased by 80%, while above knee amputations were unchanged. An increased association of diabetes with women (F/M = 2.09) and increased risk of major amputation in men [odds ratio 2.16 (95% CI 1.83, 2.56)] were documented.Conclusions. This intervention improved foot care with reduction in major amputations sustained over 5 years.
3D Bioprinting of Carboxymethylated-Periodate Oxidized Nanocellulose Constructs for Wound Dressing Applications
Authors: Rees Adam , Powell Lydia C. , Chinga-Carrasco Gary , Gethin David T. , Syverud Kristin , Hill Katja E. , Thomas David W.
Published: May 2015

Nanocellulose has a variety of advantages, which make the material most suitable for use in biomedical devices such as wound dressings. The material is strong, allows for production of transparent films, provides a moist wound healing environment, and can form elastic gels with bioresponsive characteristics. In this study, we explore the application of nanocellulose as a bioink for modifying film surfaces by a bioprinting process. Two different nanocelluloses were used, prepared with TEMPO mediated oxidation and a combination of carboxymethylation and periodate oxidation. The combination of carboxymethylation and periodate oxidation produced a homogeneous material with short nanofibrils, having widths <20 nm and lengths <200 nm. The small dimensions of the nanofibrils reduced the viscosity of the nanocellulose, thus yielding a material with good rheological properties for use as a bioink. The nanocellulose bioink was thus used for printing 3D porous structures, which is exemplified in this study. We also demonstrated that both nanocelluloses did not support bacterial growth, which is an interesting property of these novel materials.
Cordycepin Decreases Compound Action Potential Conduction of Frog Sciatic Nerve In Vitro Involving Ca2+-Dependent Mechanisms
Authors: Yao Li-Hua , Yu Hui-Min , Xiong Qiu-Ping , Sun Wei , Xu Yan-Liang , Meng Wei , Li Yu-Ping , Liu Xin-Ping , Yuan Chun-Hua
Published: May 2015

Cordycepin has been widely used in oriental countries to maintain health and improve physical performance. Compound nerve action potential (CNAP), which is critical in signal conduction in the peripheral nervous system, is necessary to regulate physical performance, including motor system physiological and pathological processes. Therefore, regulatory effects of cordycepin on CNAP conduction should be elucidated. In this study, the conduction ability of CNAP in isolated frog sciatic nerves was investigated. Results revealed that cordycepin significantly decreased CNAP amplitude and conductive velocity in a reversible and concentration-dependent manner. At 50 mg/L cordycepin, CNAP amplitude and conductive velocity decreased by 62.18 ± 8.06% and 57.34% ± 6.14% compared with the control amplitude and conductive velocity, respectively. However, the depressive action of cordycepin on amplitude and conductive velocity was not observed in Ca2+-free medium or in the presence of Ca2+channel blockers (CdCl2/LaCl3). Pretreatment with L-type Ca2+channel antagonist (nifedipine/deltiazem) also blocked cordycepin-induced responses; by contrast, T-type and P-type Ca2+channel antagonists (Ni2+) failed to block such responses. Therefore, cordycepin decreased the conduction ability of CNAP in isolated frog sciatic nerves via L-type Ca2+channel-dependent mechanism.
Polysaccharide-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Imaging and Gene Therapy
Authors: Uthaman Saji , Lee Sang Joon , Cherukula Kondareddy , Cho Chong-Su , Park In-Kyu
Published: May 2015

Today, nanotechnology plays a vital role in biomedical applications, especially for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Among the many different types of fabricated nanoparticles, magnetic metal oxide nanoparticles stand out as unique and useful tools for biomedical applications, because of their imaging characteristics and therapeutic properties such as drug and gene carriers. Polymer-coated magnetic particles are currently of particular interest to investigators in the fields of nanobiomedicine and fundamental biomaterials. Theranostic magnetic nanoparticles that are encapsulated or coated with polymers not only exhibit imaging properties in response to stimuli, but also can efficiently deliver various drugs and therapeutic genes. Even though a large number of polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles have been fabricated over the last decade, most of these have only been used for imaging purposes. The focus of this review is on polysaccharide-coated magnetic nanoparticles used for imaging and gene delivery.
Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Tocilizumab in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Open-Label Phase 4 Study in Patients from the Middle East
Authors: Hammoudeh Mohammed , Al Awadhi Adel , Hasan Eman Haji , Akhlaghi Maassoumeh , Ahmadzadeh Arman , Sadeghi Abdollahi Bahar
Published: May 2015

This open-label study investigated the safety and efficacy of tocilizumab in Middle Eastern patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients whose Disease Activity Score based on 28 joints (DAS28) was >3.2 received tocilizumab 8 mg/kg intravenously every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. Patients receiving aTNF ± nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug(s) (DMARD(s)) switched to tocilizumab; patients receiving nonbiologic DMARD monotherapy added tocilizumab. Primary end points were adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), and laboratory parameters; secondary end points were DAS28, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Eighty-eight of 95 patients completed 24 weeks. Overall, 125 AEs were reported in 43 (45%) patients; the most common were increased hepatic enzymes (16%) and cholesterol (11%). Eight patients experienced SAEs. Significant changes from baseline to week 24 occurred for hemoglobin, neutrophils, platelets, total cholesterol, and liver enzymes (P<0.05). DAS28, CRP, and ESR decreased significantly from baseline at each visit (P<0.0001). At week 24, the proportions of patients reporting DAS28 clinically meaningful improvement (decrease ≥1.2), low disease activity (DAS28 ≥2.6 to ≤3.2), and remission (DAS28 <2.6) were 92%, 23%, and 64%, respectively. Safety and efficacy of tocilizumab were consistent with values reported in Western patients.
Association of Auricular Reflective Points and Status of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Suen Lorna Kwai-Ping , Yeh Chao Hsing , Kwan Jojo Yee Mei , Lee Paul Hong , Yeung Grace Sau Ping , Wong Esther C. Y. , Lau Billie C. , Tsang Samuel Chi Hung , Cheung Alice Siu Ping , Yeung Vincent Tok Fai
Published: May 2015

The reflexive property of the ear can cause various physical attributes to appear on the auricle in the presence of bodily disorders. The association of auricular signals (presence or absence of discoloration, marks after pressing, tenderness, and electrical resistance) and diabetes mellitus (DM) should be further investigated because auricular diagnosis is an objective, painless, and noninvasive method that provides rapid access to information. A matched case-control study on 282 subjects was conducted. Cases (n=141) were defined as those diagnosed with type 2 DM (T2DM). Every subject in the case group was matched with the control by age and gender. Ear diagnosis was conducted in three aspects: inspection, electrical detection, and tenderness testing. Results suggest that the tenderness and electrical conductivity of some auricular points, including “pancreas and gallbladder,” “endocrine,” “kidney,” “lower tragus,” “heart,” and “eyes,” were associated with T2DM status in Chinese population. In the subgroup analyses, certain auricular signals were also associated with glycemic control, disease duration, and related complications. Auricular diagnosis could be considered as a screening method for vulnerable populations with T2DM risk. Thus, appropriate interventions can be implemented to prevent or delay the progression of T2DM.
Scene Categorization in Alzheimer's Disease: A Saccadic Choice Task
Authors: Lenoble Quentin , Bubbico Giovanna , Szaffarczyk Sébastien , Pasquier Florence , Boucart Muriel
Published: May 2015

Aims: We investigated the performance in scene categorization of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) using a saccadic choice task. Method: 24 patients with mild AD, 28 age-matched controls and 26 young people participated in the study. The participants were presented pairs of coloured photographs and were asked to make a saccadic eye movement to the picture corresponding to the target scene (natural vs. urban, indoor vs. outdoor). Results: The patients' performance did not differ from chance for natural scenes. Differences between young and older controls and patients with AD were found in accuracy but not saccadic latency. Conclusions: The results are interpreted in terms of cerebral reorganization in the prefrontal and temporo-occipital cortex of patients with AD, but also in terms of impaired processing of visual global properties of scenes.
Expression of Intermediate Filaments and Germ Cell Markers in the Developing Bovine Ovary: An Immunohistochemical and Laser-Assisted Microdissection Study
Authors: Kenngott Rebecca Anna-Maria , Sauer Ulrich , Vermehren Margarete , Sinowatz Fred
Published: May 2015

In the present investigation, bovine ovary prenatal development was studied using immunohistochemistry and laser-assisted microdissection (LAM). A major aim of this study was to evaluate the protein expression pattern of intermediate filaments (IF) and distinguish S100 protein (S100 alpha and S100 beta protein) isoforms during prenatal follicle differentiation, subsequently correlating them with germ cell marker expression. A development-specific expression pattern of different keratins as well as vimentin was detected in the prenatal bovine ovary; K18-specific expression was found during all developmental stages (i.e. in surface epithelium, germ cell cord somatic cells, and follicle cells), and keratins 5, 7, 8, 14, and 19 and vimentin had a stage-specific expression pattern in the different cell populations of the prenatal ovaries. Additionally, our results represent new data on the expression pattern of germ cell markers during bovine ovary prenatal development. S100 alpha and beta protein was localized to oocyte cytoplasm of different follicle stages, and S100 alpha staining could be observed in granulosa cells. Furthermore, through isolation of characteristic ovary cell populations using LAM, specific confirmation of some genes of interest (KRT8, KRT18, S100 alpha, S100 beta, and OCT4, DDX4) could be obtained by RT-PCR in single cell groups of the developing bovine ovary.
The Gut Microbiome of Wild Lemurs: A Comparison of Sympatric Lemur catta and Propithecus verreauxi
Authors: Fogel Andrew T.
Published: May 2015

Mammalian gut microbes are invaluable to the host's metabolism, but few researchers have examined gut microbial dynamics under natural conditions in wild mammals. This study aims to help fill this knowledge gap with a survey of the natural variation of the gut microbiome in 2 wild lemur species, Lemur catta and Propithecus verreauxi. The wild L. catta were also compared to a captive population to discern the effect of habitat within a species. Gut microbial DNA was extracted from fecal samples collected in Madagascar and the Vienna Zoo and sequenced. The wild and captive L. catta had distinct microbial communities, likely due to differences in diet and development between their populations. The wild L. catta and P. verreauxi also had distinct gut microbiomes, due to a change in microbial abundance, not composition. Within each lemur species, there was abundant variation between individuals and from the dry to the wet season. The intraspecific and temporal microbial variation requires more investigation, with changes in diet a likely contributor.
Cognitive Impact of Lacunar Infarcts and White Matter Hyperintensity Volume
Authors: Warren Matthew W. , Weiner Myron F. , Rossetti Heidi C. , McColl Roderick , Peshock Ron , King Kevin S.
Published: May 2015

Background: Subcortical lacunar infarcts and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are common neuroradiological findings, but few studies associate between these insults and cognition in a community-dwelling population. Methods: The Dallas Heart Study is a population-based initiative whose assessments included demographic and clinical findings including brain MRI and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The presence and number of lacunes in subjects aged over 55 years were assessed by study physicians. The WMH volume was measured by an automated method. The association between the presence and number of lacunar infarcts and of WMH volume with the total MoCA score and subdomains was assessed using linear regression with adjustment for age, gender and self-reported ethnicity. Results: In 609 subjects with valid data, both the presence and the increasing number of lacunes were associated with lower MoCA scores, even after adjusting for demographic variables. The presence of lacunes was also associated with lower scores in the memory, executive and attention subdomains. The WMH volume was not significantly associated with the MoCA score. Conclusion: The presence and increasing number of lacunes in midlife is associated with a lower performance in multiple domains of a cognitive screening measure after adjusting for demographic factors.
Effect Estimation of an Innovative Nursing Intervention to Improve Delirium among Home-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Verloo Henk , Goulet Céline , Morin Diane , von Gunten Armin
Published: May 2015

Aims: Estimating the effect of a nursing intervention in home-dwelling older adults on the occurrence and course of delirium and concomitant cognitive and functional impairment. Methods: A randomized clinical pilot trial using a before/after design was conducted with older patients discharged from hospital who had a medical prescription to receive home care. A total of 51 patients were randomized into the experimental group (EG) and 52 patients into the control group (CG). Besides usual home care, nursing interventions were offered by a geriatric nurse specialist to the EG at 48 h, 72 h, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days after discharge. All patients were monitored for symptoms of delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method. Cognitive and functional statuses were measured with the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Katz and Lawton Index. Results: No statistical differences with regard to symptoms of delirium (p = 0.085), cognitive impairment (p = 0.151), and functional status (p = 0.235) were found between the EG and CG at study entry and at 1 month. After adjustment, statistical differences were found in favor of the EG for symptoms of delirium (p = 0.046), cognitive impairment (p = 0.015), and functional status (p = 0.033). Conclusion: Nursing interventions to detect delirium at home are feasible and accepted. The nursing interventions produced a promising effect to improve delirium.
Severe Acute Subdural Hematoma in a Child following a Minor Head Trauma in the Context of a Recent Antecedent Head Injury: A Case Report
Authors: Hexter Adam T. , Shepherd Michael , Heppner Peter
Published: May 2015

Knowledge of the force required to generate a subdural hematoma is important when considering the veracity of histories given by family members of young children. Traditional wisdom is that a substantial impact is required to cause an acute subdural hematoma. We present a case of acute subdural hematoma following a low-level fall in a 3-year-old patient. An antecedent head injury associated with normal CT scan might have had some bearing on this outcome.
Endovascular Occlusion of Cervical Internal Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm in a Child Treated by N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Jagetia Anita , Sharma Divyajyoti , Singh Daljit , Sinha Sanjiv , Ganjoo Pragati , Narang Poonam , Mathod Veeresh
Published: May 2015

We report a rare case of spontaneous extracranial cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm in a female child aged 3 years who presented with a swelling in the neck which had bled following an attempted incision as it had been thought to be an abscess. A CT angiogram and an MR angiogram were not very conclusive to diagnose the exact site of origin and the morphology of the aneurysm. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a dissecting pseudoaneurysm of the right extracranial cervical ICA. The right ICA was ending as a pseudosac, and the right cerebral circulation was filling up through the right posterior cerebral artery. To minimize the radiation exposure, a microcatheter was placed inside the diagnostic catheter. The aneurysm sac was occluded using N-butyl cyanoacrylate since there was no distal flow to the brain from the artery beyond the aneurysm. It was a safe, effective and cheaper alternative to open surgery or to other endovascular management options available. Not all neck swellings are abscesses, and they should be examined and evaluated to exclude a vascular cause.
Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgical Method in Pediatric Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Taşkapılıoğlu M. Özgür , Yilmazlar Selcuk , Eren Erdal , Tarım Omer , Moralı Güler Tuğba
Published: May 2015

Aim: To evaluate the clinical outcome in a 13-year consecutive series of children operated for pituitary adenomas with transnasal transsphenoidal surgery. Methods: All patients <18 years who were operated on at our center by transsphenoidal surgery for pediatric pituitary adenomas were included in the study. Clinical features, hormonal profile, radiology, surgical approach, results and complications were analyzed. Results: Eighteen patients (90%) had functional pituitary adenomas and 2 (10%) patients had nonfunctional pituitary adenoma. The most common type was prolactin-secreting adenoma (n = 12), followed by corticotropinoma (n = 4), growth hormone-secreting adenoma (n = 2), and nonfunctioning adenoma (n = 2). Prolactin-secreting adenomas in children occurred more commonly with suprasellar expansion than did other adenomas. Conclusion: Transsphenoidal surgery was effective for decompression of suprasellar extension and relieved the chiasmal compression immediately. Prolactin-secreting tumors required postoperative medical therapy for persistently elevated prolactin levels.
Evaluation of Quantitative Fluorescence in situ Hybridization for Relative Measurement of Telomere Length in Placental Mesenchymal Core Cells
Authors: Toutain Jérôme , Prochazkova-Carlotti Martina , Horovitz Jacques , Saura Robert , Merlio Jean-Philippe , Chevret Edith
Published: May 2015

Background: Reduced telomere length in placental mesenchymal core cells has been reported during pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction. To estimate telomere length, a precise, accurate and reproducible technique must be used. Objective: We evaluated the characteristics of a quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (Q-FISH) technique for measuring relative telomere length in placental mesenchymal core cells. Methods: From late chorionic villus samplings, telomere length in placental mesenchymal core cells was estimated by a Q-FISH technique using peptide nucleic acid telomere probes. The main characteristics of the Q-FISH technique, such as precision and reproducibility, were evaluated. Results: The telomere length of the cultured placental mesenchymal cells did not follow a normal distribution. When the Q-FISH technique was performed on interphase nuclei of uncultured mesenchymal core cells, normal telomere length distribution was observed. The precision of the technique when applied to cultured placental mesenchymal core cells was estimated to be <6%, and its reproducibility ranged from to 92.9 to 104.7%. Conclusion: Our results showed that cell culture of placental villi produced a non-normal telomere length distribution, probably related to telomere DNA replication during the cell cycle. Despite the influence of cell culture, the Q-FISH technique reported herein showed good precision and reproducibility.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Genotype Is Not a Significant Genetic Risk Factor for Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome in Croatian Children
Authors: Batinić Danko , Sertić Jadranka , Ćorić Marijana , Konjevoda Paško , Batinić Danica , Milošević Danko
Published: May 2015

Aim: The association of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is controversial. Only scarce information on European populations is available. The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism and its impact on INS in children from Croatia. Materials and Methods: Ninety-five children with INS were investigated: 30 with minimal change disease (MCD), 35 with mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MesPGN) and 30 with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The control group consisted of 73 healthy adults. ACE gene was analyzed using the PCR method. The results were correlated with clinical features, renal morphology and response to immunosuppresive therapy. Results: There was no correlation of ACE genotype with gender, age of the disease onset, level of proteinuria, presence of hematuria or hypertension, and GFR at onset of the disease. No statistically significant differences in ACE genotype or allele frequencies between the controls and whole group of patients, MCD group, MesPGN group, FSGS group, steroid sensitive (SS) patients, steroid resistant (SR) patients, as well as each other, were found, although DD genotype tended to be more frequent in FSGS patients, SR patients, and frequent relapsers. Among 11 children treated with cyclophosphamide the D allele was significantly higher among non-responders (p = 0.003). Conclusion: DD genotype is not a genetic risk factor for acquiring INS nor significant phenotype modifier regarding to clinical and pathohistological picture and response to steroids in Croatian children. The potential application of ACE genotyping in predicting cyclophosphamide response deserves further investigation.
Daily Sodium and Potassium Excretion Can Be Estimated by Scheduled Spot Urine Collections
Authors: Doenyas-Barak Keren , Beberashvili Ilia , Bar-Chaim Adina , Averbukh Zhan , Vogel Ofir , Efrati Shai
Published: May 2015

Aim: The evaluation of sodium and potassium intake is part of the optimal management of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, renal stones, and other conditions. To date, no convenient method for its evaluation exists, as the gold standard method of 24-hour urine collection is cumbersome and often incorrectly performed, and methods that use spot or shorter collections are not accurate enough to replace the gold standard. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation and agreement between a new method that uses multiple-scheduled spot urine collection and the gold standard method of 24-hour urine collection. Methods: The urine sodium or potassium to creatinine ratios were determined for four scheduled spot urine samples. The mean ratios of the four spot samples and the ratios of each of the single spot samples were corrected for estimated creatinine excretion and compared to the gold standard. Results: A significant linear correlation was demonstrated between the 24-hour urinary solute excretions and estimated excretion evaluated by any of the scheduled spot urine samples. The correlation of the mean of the four spots was better than for any of the single spots. Bland-Altman plots showed that the differences between these measurements were within the limits of agreement. Conclusion: Four scheduled spot urine samples can be used as a convenient method for estimation of 24-hour sodium or potassium excretion.
Updated Evidence on the Mechanisms of Resistance to ALK Inhibitors and Strategies to Overcome Such Resistance: Clinical and Preclinical Data
Authors: Toyokawa Gouji , Seto Takashi
Published: May 2015

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK) rearrangement is one of the oncogenes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) identified in 2007. The PROFILE trials demonstrated that patients with ALK-rearranged NSCLC can be successfully treated with crizotinib, and that crizotinib is superior to chemotherapy in both first- and second-line settings. Furthermore, next-generation ALK inhibitors, such as alectinib and ceritinib, have been shown to harbor excellent efficacy for NSCLC patients with ALK rearrangement. However, it is known that many cases ultimately acquire resistance to ALK inhibitors. Some potential mechanisms of resistance to ALK inhibitors are as follows: ALK dominant resistance, such as secondary mutations and copy number gain in the ALK gene; activation of the bypass tracks, including EGFR, KRAS, KIT, MET, and IGF-1R. Furthermore, treatment strategies to overcome these resistance mechanisms have been proposed, and next-generation ALK inhibitors, agents which inhibit the bypass tracks, and heat shock protein 90 inhibitors are thought to be promising. Thus, clinical and pre-clinical evidence on the resistance mechanisms to ALK inhibitors and treatment strategies to overcome the resistance have been gradually obtained. Herein, we concisely review the current clinical and pre-clinical data regarding the mechanisms of resistance to ALK inhibitors and treatments to overcome such resistance.
Comparisons of Hospitalization Rates Among Younger Atrial Fibrillation Patients Receiving Different Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Authors: Allen LaPointe Nancy M. , Dai David , Thomas Laine , Piccini Jonathan P. , Peterson Eric D. , Al-Khatib Sana M.
Published: May 2015

Background—

Antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) are used to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of atrial fibrillation (AF) events, which should reduce hospitalizations; however, little is known about the associations between different AADs and hospitalization—particularly among younger AF patients without structural heart disease.

Methods and Results—

Using MarketScan® claims data, we identified AF patients without coronary artery disease or heart failure who received their first AAD prescription (amiodarone, sotalol, dronedarone, or Class Ic) within 14 days post-first AF encounter. The primary outcome was time from first AAD prescription to AF hospitalization, and secondary outcomes included time to cardiovascular and all-cause hospitalizations. We used inverse probability-weighted estimators to adjust for differences in treatment allocation in the Cox proportional hazards model for each outcome. Among 8562 AF patients with a median age of 56 years (interquartile range 49, 61), risk of AF hospitalization was greater with dronedarone than Class Ic (hazard ratio [HR] 1.59; 95% confidence interval 1.13–2.24), amiodarone (HR 2.63; 1.77–3.89), and sotalol (HR 1.72; 1.17–2.54), but lower with amiodarone versus Class Ic (HR 0.68; 0.57–0.80) and sotalol (HR 0.63; 0.53–0.75). Risk of cardiovascular hospitalization was lower with amiodarone than Class Ic (HR 0.80; 0.70–0.92), but not non-AF cardiovascular hospitalization (HR 1.26; 1.01–1.57). There was no difference in all-cause hospitalization between amiodarone, Class Ic, and sotalol.

Conclusions—

Differences in hospitalization rates were found between AADs in younger AF patients without structural heart disease. Amiodarone had the lowest risk of AF hospitalization and dronedarone had the greatest risk. Additional research is needed to better understand associations between AADs and hospitalization risk.
Hypoxia Represses ER-α Expression and Inhibits Estrogen-Induced Regulation of Ca
2+
-Activated K
+
Channel Activity and Myogenic Tone in Ovine Uterine Arteries
Authors: Chen Man , Xiao Daliao , Hu Xiang-Qun , Dasgupta Chiranjib , Yang Shumei , Zhang Lubo
Published: May 2015

Previous in vivo study demonstrated that chronic hypoxia during gestation was associated with estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) gene repression in ovine uterine arteries. Yet, it remains undetermined whether hypoxia had a direct effect and if DNA methylation played a causal role in hypoxia-mediated ER-α gene repression. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that prolonged hypoxia has a direct effect and increases promoter methylation resulting in ER-α gene repression and inhibition of estrogen-mediated adaptation of uterine vascular tone. Uterine arteries isolated from nonpregnant and pregnant sheep were treated ex vivo with 21.0% O
2
and 10.5% O
2
for 48 hours. Hypoxia significantly increased ER-α promoter methylation at both specificity protein-1 and upstream stimulatory factor binding sites, decreased specificity protein-1 and upstream stimulatory factor binding to the promoter, and suppressed ER-α expression in uterine arteries of pregnant animals. Of importance, the effects of hypoxia were blocked by a methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine. In addition, hypoxia abrogated steroid hormone–mediated increase in ER-α expression and inhibited the hormone-induced increase in large-conductance Ca
2+
-activated K
+
channel activity and decrease in myogenic tone in uterine arteries of nonpregnant animals, which were reversed by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine. The results provide novel evidence of a direct effect of hypoxia on heightened promoter methylation that plays a causal role in ER-α gene repression and ablation of steroid hormone–mediated adaptation of uterine arterial large conductance Ca
2+
-activated K
+
channel activity and myogenic tone in pregnancy.
Long-Term Blood Pressure Variability, New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, and New-Onset Chronic Kidney Disease in the Japanese General Population
Authors: Yano Yuichiro , Fujimoto Shouichi , Kramer Holly , Sato Yuji , Konta Tsuneo , Iseki Kunitoshi , Iseki Chiho , Moriyama Toshiki , Yamagata Kunihiro , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Narita Ichiei , Kondo Masahide , Kimura Kenjiro , Asahi Koichi , Kurahashi Issei , Ohashi Yasuo , Watanabe Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2015

Whether long-term blood pressure (BP) variability among individuals without diabetes mellitus is associated with new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk, independently of other BP parameters (eg, mean BP, cumulative exposure to BP) and metabolic profile changes during follow-up, remains uncertain. We used data from a nationwide study of 48 587 Japanese adults aged 40 to 74 years (mean age, 61.7 years; 39% men) without diabetes mellitus or CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or proteinuria by dipstick). BP was measured at baseline and during 3 annual follow-up visits (4 visits). BP variability was defined as standard deviation (SD) and average real variability during the 4 visits. At the year 3 follow-up visit, 6.3% of the population had developed CKD. In multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, 1 SD increases in SD
SBP
(per 5 mmHg), SD
DBP
(per 3 mmHg), average real variability
SBP
(per 6 mmHg), and average real variability
DBP
(per 4 mmHg) were associated with new-onset CKD (odds ratios [ORs] and 95% confidence intervals, 1.15 [1.11–1.20], 1.08 [1.04–1.12], 1.13 [1.09–1.17], 1.06 [1.02–1.10], respectively; all
P
<0.01) after adjustment for clinical characteristics, and with mean BP from year 0 to year 3. The associations of SD
BP
and average real variability
BP
with CKD remained significant after additional adjustments for metabolic parameter changes during follow-up (ORs, 1.06–1.15; all
P
<0.01). Sensitivity analyses by sex, antihypertensive medication use, and the presence of hypertension showed similar conclusions. Among those in the middle-aged and elderly general population without diabetes mellitus, long-term BP variability during 3 years was associated with new-onset CKD risk, independently of mean or cumulative exposure to BP and metabolic profile changes during follow-up.
Reading “The Recital” by John Ashbery
Authors: So Mark
Published: May 2015

Mark So lives in Los Angeles. His work is preoccupied with the materiality of language, exploring situations of ordinary literacy via simple means of recording/transcription/reading and changing experiences of silence. His many pieces (300 alone involve John Ashbery’s poems) take form as scores, tapes, performances, and other more obscure manifestations. So recently released New complaints. New rewards, a book/DVD he coauthored with Stuart Krimko, through his DEATH-SPIRAL publishing initiative ( DEATH-SPIRAL.net ). “The Recital” from Three Poems. © 1972, 1997, 2008, by John Ashbery. All rights reserved. Used by arrangement with Georges Borchardt, Inc., on behalf of John Ashbery.
Chasing the Parsi Theatre in Bareilly
Authors: Lothspeich Pamela
Published: May 2015

A contemporary restaging of Pandit Radheshyam Kathavachak’s mythological play Heroic Abhimanyu in the style of Parsi theatre raises questions about postcolonial mimicry, hybrid theatre forms, and the vicissitudes of reviving traditional theatre in India.
Behind the Scenes of Heroic Abhimanyu
Authors: Lothspeich Pamela
Published: May 2015

A behind-the-scenes look at a Parsi theatre–style revival of Pandit Radheshyam Kathavachak’s mythological play Heroic Abhimanyu details the challenges of financing and producing theatre in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Archiving the “Thing”: Teatro da Vertigem’s Bom Retiro 958 metros
Authors: Taylor Diana
Published: May 2015

An archive is a place, a thing/object, and a practice. But can “things” be archived at all, or do they rather belong to a world of endless transformation? Do “things” have a life of their own that exceeds the limits of the archive? A massive immersive performance, Bom Retiro 958 metros by Brazil’s theatre company Teatro da Vertigem, suggests that matter, although martyred by constant change and transformation, resists disappearance and calls into question what we presume remains, and what we assume disappears, from culture.
The Witness Security Program: Becoming Imperceptible in the Relocation Matrix
Authors: Davis Tracy C.
Published: May 2015

How are relocated witnesses in the US federal witness security program equipped to “hide in plain sight” and remain untraceable? Two models of social identity combine to account for this—social role play (Goffman) and performativity (Butler, Barad, Braidotti)—as an immanent process of “becoming-imperceptible.”
More than Meets the Ear: An Account of the Shared (Ac)counts of Cage and Stravinsky
Authors: Festa Kay
Published: May 2015

Despite John Cage’s well-recounted distance from Stravinsky, the composer of Le Sacre du printemps used a systematic methodology to generate empty structures when composing his 1913 masterpiece. Both composers’ connection to dance accounts for this shared interest in a super-sensorial platform of counts upon which diverse materials can be positioned.
No Flowers: Performative Interventions “at the Moment of” Margaret Thatcher’s Passing
Authors: Bush Sophie , Daniels Morgan
Published: May 2015

Why is “respect” the order of the day for the dead, such as Margaret Thatcher, upon their dying? Was Walter Benjamin right when he pointed to death and its trimmings as that which lends authority to the storyteller? And how might performance short circuit narratives so motored?
Cave mentem: Disease and the Performance of Mind
Authors: Kubiak Anthony
Published: May 2015

What do the delineations of consciousness owe to disease? Might we see, in the earliest examples of performative art, traces of dis-ease giving rise to performance and art itself? And what do we make of recent discoveries that certain modes of disease can influence our states of mind, our beliefs, consciousness itself? Does our development as human beings—from distant past to present day—owe far more to disease than we might imagine?
Stumping and Stunts: Walking in Circles in the “Go-As-You-Please” Race
Authors: Smith Kirstin
Published: May 2015

New York City, 1884: 14 contestants set out to walk round and round a track for six days in the “go-as-you-please” race, taking as little rest as possible. What does this durational act tell us about a type of performance just beginning to be named in New York slang as a “stunt”? Anticipating early-20th-century dance marathons and later durational performance art, the race enacted and troubled circulation, revealing fault lines of valorization: between work and leisure, work and life, and sporting and theatrical performance.
In the Domain of The Nether: Theatre and Virtuality in a World without Consequence
Authors: Stowell-Kaplan Isabel
Published: May 2015

Set in a digital future of virtual realms and imagined spaces, Jeremy Herrin’s production of Jennifer Haley’s The Nether questions what it might mean to exist outside of consequence. Blurring the lines between virtuality, reality, and theatricality, The Nether demands that we reconsider just how we make sense of the world and ourselves.
The Object in Question: The FIDENA International Puppetry Festival
Authors: Orenstein Claudia
Published: May 2015

Germany’s FIDENA puppetry festival’s provocative offerings, with shows drawn from visual arts and dance, without traditional puppets at their center, prompts reflections on the shifting boundaries of puppetry arts, the new notion of “material performance,” and, within this new rubric, the continuance of elements essential to puppetry.