bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Association Rule Mining Approach to Discover lncRNAs Expression Patterns in Cancer Datasets
Authors: Cremaschi Paolo , Carriero Roberta , Astrologo Stefania , Colì Caterina , Lisa Antonella , Parolo Silvia , Bione Silvia
Published: July 2015

In the past few years, the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumor development and progression has been disclosed although their mechanisms of action remain to be elucidated. An important contribution to the comprehension of lncRNAs biology in cancer could be obtained through the integrated analysis of multiple expression datasets. However, the growing availability of public datasets requires new data mining techniques to integrate and describe relationship among data. In this perspective, we explored the powerness of the Association Rule Mining (ARM) approach in gene expression data analysis. By the ARM method, we performed a meta-analysis of cancer-related microarray data which allowed us to identify and characterize a set of ten lncRNAs simultaneously altered in different brain tumor datasets. The expression profiles of the ten lncRNAs appeared to be sufficient to distinguish between cancer and normal tissues. A further characterization of this lncRNAs signature through a comodulation expression analysis suggested that biological processes specific of the nervous system could be compromised.
Fast Channel Selection Strategy in Cognitive Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Sun Yong , Qian Jian-sheng
Published: July 2015

In order to meet the practical requirement for Cognitive Wireless Sensor Networks applications, this paper proposes innovative fast channel selection algorithm to solve the shortcomings of original Experience-Weighted Attraction algorithm's complexity, higher energy consuming, and the nodes’ hardware restrictions of real-time data processing capabilities. Research is conducted by comparing channel selection differences and timeliness with traditional Experience-Weighted Attraction learning. Though not as stable as traditional Experience-Weighted Attraction learning, fast channel selection algorithm has effectively reduced the complexity of the original algorithm and has superior performance than Q learning.
Inhibitory Effect of a Novel Antirheumatic Drug T-614 on the IL-6-Induced RANKL/OPG, IL-17, and MMP-3 Expression in Synovial Fibroblasts from Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Wei Yu , Sun Xiaoxun , Hua Minhui , Tan Wenfeng , Wang Fang , Zhang Miaojia
Published: July 2015

T-614 (also named as iguratimod), a novel antirheumatic drug, could attenuate joint inflammation and articular damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, providing a new therapy for RA. Here, we tested the role T-614 on the IL-6-induced receptor activator of nuclear factorκB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG), IL-17, and MMP-3 expression in synovial fibroblasts from rheumatoid arthritis (RASFs) patients. T-614 decreased RANKL expression and RANKL/OPG ratio in IL-6-induced RASFs. We confirmed this effect by a decrease of the mRNA and protein RANKL and mRNA RANKL/OPG in RASFs exposed in vitro to T-614 or MTX. Markedly decreased levels of IL-17, retinoid-related orphan receptor C (RORc), and MMP-3 mRNA expression were also observed in IL-6-induced RASFs in the presence of T-614 or MTX compared with those in its absence. Furthermore, T-614 blocked expression of p-ERK1/2 protein without affecting ERK1/2 expression, indicating that the way that T-614 regulated RANKL expression might be ERK1/2 pathway. Our results suggest that T-614 yields a strong improvement in arthritis via exact suppression of RANKL/OPG, IL-17, and MMP-3 expression in RASFs.
Development of Electroactive and Anaerobic Ammonium-Oxidizing (Anammox) Biofilms from Digestate in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Di Domenico Enea Gino , Petroni Gianluca , Mancini Daniele , Geri Alberto , Palma Luca Di , Ascenzioni Fiorentina
Published: July 2015

Microbial Fuel cells (MFCs) have been proposed for nutrient removal and energy recovery from different wastes. In this study the anaerobic digestate was used to feed H-type MFC reactors, one with a graphite anode preconditioned withGeobacter sulfurreducensand the other with an unconditioned graphite anode. The data demonstrate that the digestate acts as a carbon source, and even in the absence of anode preconditioning, electroactive bacteria colonise the anodic chamber, producing a maximum power density of 172.2 mW/m2. The carbon content was also reduced by up to 60%, while anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria, which were found in the anodic compartment of the reactors, contributed to nitrogen removal from the digestate. Overall, these results demonstrate that MFCs can be used to recover anammox bacteria from natural sources, and it may represent a promising bioremediation unit in anaerobic digestor plants for the simultaneous nitrogen removal and electricity generation using digestate as substrate.
Protective Effect of CXCR3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells in Renal Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Jun Cao , Qingshu Li , Ke Wei , Ping Li , Jun Dong , Jie Luo , Su Min
Published: July 2015

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress excessive immune responses and are potential therapeutic targets in autoimmune disease and organ transplantation rejection. However, their role in renal ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) is unclear. Levels of Tregs and expression of CXCR3 in Tregs were analyzed to investigate their function in the early phase of renal IRI. Mice were randomly divided into Sham, IRI, and anti‐CD25 (PC61) + IRI groups. The PC61 + IRI group was established by i.p. injection of PC61 monoclonal antibody (mAb) to deplete Tregs before renal ischemia. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs and CXCR3 on Tregs were analyzed by flow cytometry. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr) levels, and tubular necrosis scores, all measures of kidney injury, were greater in the IRI group than in the Sham group. Numbers of Tregs were increased at 72 h after reperfusion in kidney. PC61 mAb preconditioning decreased the numbers of Tregs and aggravated kidney injury. There was no expression of CXCR3 on Tregs in normal kidney, while it expanded at 72 h after reperfusion and inversely correlated with BUN, Scr, and kidney histology score. This indicated that recruitment of Tregs into the kidney was related to the recovery of renal function after IRI and CXCR3 might be involved in the migration of Tregs.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 Is an Inductor of Transcription Factor Activating Protein 2 Epsilon Expression during Chondrogenic Differentiation
Authors: Niebler Stephan , Angele Peter , Kujat Richard , Bosserhoff Anja K.
Published: July 2015

The transcription factor AP-2ε(activating enhancer-binding protein epsilon) is expressed in cartilage of humans and mice. However, knowledge about regulatory mechanisms influencing AP-2εexpression is limited. Using quantitative real time PCR, we detected a significant increase in AP-2εmRNA expression comparing initial and late stages of chondrogenic differentiation processesin vitroandin vivo. Interestingly, in these samples the expression pattern of the prominent hypoxia marker geneangiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4)strongly correlated with that ofAP-2εsuggesting that hypoxia might represent an external regulator of AP-2εexpression in mammals. In order to show this, experiments directly targeting the activity of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF1), the complex mediating responses to oxygen deprivation, were performed. While the HIF1-activating compounds 2,2′-dipyridyl and desferrioxamine resulted in significantly enhanced mRNA concentration of AP-2ε, siRNA against HIF1αled to a significantly reduced expression rate ofAP-2ε. Additionally, we detected a significant upregulation of the AP-2εmRNA level after oxygen deprivation. In sum, these different experimental approaches revealed a novel role for the HIF1 complex in the regulation of theAP-2εgene in cartilaginous cells and underlined the important role of hypoxia as an important external regulatory stimulus during chondrogenic differentiation modulating the expression of downstream transcription factors.
Polyclonal Recipient nTregs Are Superior to Donor or Third-Party Tregs in the Induction of Transplantation Tolerance
Authors: Pilat Nina , Klaus Christoph , Hock Karin , Baranyi Ulrike , Unger Lukas , Mahr Benedikt , Farkas Andreas M. , Wrba Fritz , Wekerle Thomas
Published: July 2015

Induction of donor-specific tolerance is still considered as the “Holy Grail” in transplantation medicine. The mixed chimerism approach is virtually the only tolerance approach that was successfully translated into the clinical setting. We have previously reported successful induction of chimerism and tolerance using cell therapy with recipient T regulatory cells (Tregs) to avoid cytotoxic recipient treatment. Treg therapy is limited by the availability of cells as large-scale expansion is time-consuming and associated with the risk of contamination with effector cells. Using a costimulation-blockade based bone marrow (BM) transplantation (BMT) model with Treg therapy instead of cytoreductive recipient treatment we aimed to determine the most potent Treg population for clinical translation. Here we show that CD4+CD25+in vitroactivated nTregs are superior to TGFβinduced iTregs in promoting the induction of chimerism and tolerance. Therapy with nTregs (but not iTregs) led to multilineage chimerism and donor-specific tolerance in mice receiving as few as 0.5×106cells. Moreover, we show that only recipient Tregs, but not donor or third-party Tregs, had a beneficial effect on BM engraftment at the tested doses. Thus, recipient-type nTregs significantly improve chimerism and tolerance and might be the most potent Treg population for translation into the clinical setting.
Edible Bird’s Nest Prevents High Fat Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance in Rats
Authors: Yida Zhang , Imam Mustapha Umar , Ismail Maznah , Ooi Der-Jiun , Sarega Nadarajan , Azmi Nur Hanisah , Ismail Norsharina , Chan Kim Wei , Hou Zhiping , Yusuf Norhayati Binti
Published: July 2015

Edible bird’s nest (EBN) is used traditionally in many parts of Asia to improve wellbeing, but there are limited studies on its efficacy. We explored the potential use of EBN for prevention of high fat diet- (HFD-) induced insulin resistance in rats. HFD was given to rats with or without simvastatin or EBN for 12 weeks. During the intervention period, weight measurements were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected at the end of the intervention and oral glucose tolerance test conducted, after which the rats were sacrificed and their liver and adipose tissues collected for further studies. Serum adiponectin, leptin, F2-isoprostane, insulin, and lipid profile were estimated, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance computed. Effects of the different interventions on transcriptional regulation of insulin signaling genes were also evaluated. The results showed that HFD worsened metabolic indices and induced insulin resistance partly through transcriptional regulation of the insulin signaling genes. Additionally, simvastatin was able to prevent hypercholesterolemia but promoted insulin resistance similar to HFD. EBN, on the other hand, prevented the worsening of metabolic indices and transcriptional changes in insulin signaling genes due to HFD. The results suggest that EBN may be used as functional food to prevent insulin resistance.
Healthy Chilean Adolescents with HOMA-IR≥2.6 Have Increased Cardiometabolic Risk: Association with Genetic, Biological, and Environmental Factors
Authors: Burrows R. , Correa-Burrows P. , Reyes M. , Blanco E. , Albala C. , Gahagan S.
Published: July 2015

Objective.To determine the optimal cutoff of the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) for diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents and examine whether insulin resistance (IR), determined by this method, was related to genetic, biological, and environmental factors.Methods.In 667 adolescents (16.8 ± 0.3 y), BMI, waist circumference, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, diet, and physical activity were measured. Fat and fat-free mass were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Family history of type 2 diabetes (FHDM) was reported. We determined the optimal cutoff of HOMA-IR to diagnose MetS (IDF criteria) using ROC analysis. IR was defined as HOMA-IR values above the cutoff. We tested the influence of genetic, biological, and environmental factors on IR using logistic regression analyses.Results.Of the participants, 16% were obese and 9.4 % met criteria for MetS. The optimal cutoff for MetS diagnosis was a HOMA-IR value of 2.6. Based on this value, 16.3% of participants had IR. Adolescents with IR had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity, fasting hyperglycemia, and MetS compared to those who were not IR. FHDM, sarcopenia, obesity, and low adiponectin significantly increased the risk of IR.Conclusions.In adolescents, HOMA-IR ≥ 2.6 was associated with greater cardiometabolic risk.
Preparation and Antiflame Performance of Expandable Graphite Modified with Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Authors: Zhao Hongmei , Pang Xiuyan , Zhai Zhixiao
Published: July 2015

A kind of polyphosphate modified expandable graphite (EGp) was prepared in graphite oxidation and intercalation reaction with KMnO4 as oxidant, H2SO4 as intercalator, and sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) as assistant intercalator. The feasible mass ratio of C : KMnO4 : H2SO4 (98%) : SHMP was determined as 1.0 : 0.3 : 4.5 : 0.6, H2SO4 was diluted to 77 wt% before intercalation reaction, and the reaction lasted for 40 min at 40°C. Expanded volume and initial expansion temperature of the prepared EGp reached 600 mL/g (at 800°C) and 151°C, respectively. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy testified the intercalation and layer structure of EGp, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy illuminated the intercalated functional groups. Flame retardance of the prepared EGp and the referenced EG (with only H2SO4 as intercalator) for linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) was also investigated. Addition of 30 wt% EGp to the polymer improved the limiting oxygen index (LOI) from 17.5 to 27.3%. On the other hand, the LOI of the same amount of the referenced EG was only 24.6%. Assistant intercalation of SHMP improved the dilatability and flame retardancy.
Lipid Emulsion Attenuates Acetylcholine-Induced Relaxation in Isolated Rat Aorta
Authors: Ok Seong-Ho , Lee Soo Hee , Yu Jongsun , Park Jungchul , Shin Il-Woo , Lee Youngju , Cho Hyunhoo , Choi Mun-Jeoung , Baik Jiseok , Hong Jeong-Min , Han Jeong Yeol , Lee Heon Keun , Chung Young-Kyun , Sohn Ju-Tae
Published: July 2015

We investigated the effect of Lipofundin MCT/LCT and Intralipid on acetylcholine-induced nitric oxide- (NO-) mediated relaxation in rat aorta to determine which lipid emulsion (LE) is more potent in terms of inhibition of NO-induced relaxation. Dose-response curves of responses induced by acetylcholine, the calcium ionophore A23187, and sodium nitroprusside were generated using isolated rat aorta with or without LE. The effect of Lipofundin MCT/LCT on acetylcholine-induced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was investigated using western blotting. Lipofundin MCT/LCT (0.1 and 0.2%) attenuated acetylcholine-induced relaxation in endothelium-intact aorta with or without tiron, whereas 0.2% Intralipid only inhibited relaxation. Lipofundin MCT/LCT inhibited relaxation induced by the calcium ionophore A23187 and sodium nitroprusside in endothelium-intact aorta, but Lipofundin MCT/LCT had no effect on sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation in the endothelium-denuded aorta. Combined pretreatment withl-arginine plus Lipofundin MCT/LCT increased acetylcholine-induced maximal relaxation in endothelium-intact aorta compared with Lipofundin MCT/LCT alone.l-Arginine attenuated Lipofundin MCT/LCT-mediated inhibition of acetylcholine-induced eNOS phosphorylation in HUVECs. Taken together, Lipofundin MCT/LCT attenuated acetylcholine-induced NO-mediated relaxation via an inhibitory effect on the endothelium including eNOS, which is proximal to activation of guanylyl cyclase.
Bottlenecks in the Efficient Use of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products Based on Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Escacena Natalia , Quesada-Hernández Elena , Capilla-Gonzalez Vivian , Soria Bernat , Hmadcha Abdelkrim
Published: July 2015

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been established as promising candidate sources of universal donor cells for cell therapy due to their contributions to tissue and organ homeostasis, repair, and support by self-renewal and multidifferentiation, as well as by their anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, immunomodulatory, trophic, and proangiogenic properties. Various diseases have been treated by MSCs in animal models. Additionally, hundreds of clinical trials related to the potential benefits of MSCs are in progress. However, although all MSCs are considered suitable to exert these functions, dissimilarities have been found among MSCs derived from different tissues. The same levels of efficacy and desired outcomes have not always been achieved in the diverse studies that have been performed thus far. Moreover, autologous MSCs can be affected by the disease status of patients, compromising their use. Therefore, collecting information regarding the characteristics of MSCs obtained from different sources and the influence of the host (patient) medical conditions on MSCs is important for assuring the safety and efficacy of cell-based therapies. This review provides relevant information regarding factors to consider for the clinical application of MSCs.
A Survey of Residents’ Perceptions of the Effect of Large-Scale Economic Developments on Perceived Safety, Violence, and Economic Benefits
Authors: Fabio Anthony , Geller Ruth , Bazaco Michael , Bear Todd M. , Foulds Abigail L. , Duell Jessica , Sharma Ravi
Published: July 2015

Background. Emerging research highlights the promise of community- and policy-level strategies in preventing youth violence. Large-scale economic developments, such as sports and entertainment arenas and casinos, may improve the living conditions, economics, public health, and overall wellbeing of area residents and may influence rates of violence within communities.Objective. To assess the effect of community economic development efforts on neighborhood residents’ perceptions on violence, safety, and economic benefits.Methods. Telephone survey in 2011 using a listed sample of randomly selected numbers in six Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Descriptive analyses examined measures of perceived violence and safety and economic benefit. Responses were compared across neighborhoods using chi-square tests for multiple comparisons. Survey results were compared to census and police data.Results. Residents in neighborhoods with the large-scale economic developments reported more casino-specific and arena-specific economic benefits. However, 42% of participants in the neighborhood with the entertainment arena felt there was an increase in crime, and 29% of respondents from the neighborhood with the casino felt there was an increase. In contrast, crime decreased in both neighborhoods.Conclusions. Large-scale economic developments have a direct influence on the perception of violence, despite actual violence rates.
MicroRNA-223 Expression Is Upregulated in Insulin Resistant Human Adipose Tissue
Authors: Chuang Tung-Yueh , Wu Hsiao-Li , Chen Chen-Chun , Gamboa Gloria Mabel , Layman Lawrence C. , Diamond Michael P. , Azziz Ricardo , Chen Yen-Hao
Published: July 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs involved in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression and influence many cellular functions including glucose and lipid metabolism. We previously reported that adipose tissue (AT) from women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or controls with insulin resistance (IR) revealed a differentially expressed microRNA (miRNA) profile, including upregulated miR-93 in PCOS patients and in non-PCOS women with IR. Overexpressed miR-93 directly inhibited glucose transporter isoform 4 (GLUT4) expression, thereby influencing glucose metabolism. We have now studied the role of miR-223, which is also abnormally expressed in the AT of IR subjects. Our data indicates that miR-223 is significantly overexpressed in the AT of IR women, regardless of whether they had PCOS or not. miR-223 expression in AT was positively correlated with HOMA-IR. Unlike what is reported in cardiomyocytes, overexpression of miR-223 in human differentiated adipocytes was associated with a reduction in GLUT4 protein content and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. In addition, our data suggests miR-223 regulates GLUT4 expression by direct binding to its 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR). In conclusion, in AT miR-223 is an IR-related miRNA that may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of IR-related disorders.
Bacterial Diversity and Bioremediation Potential of the Highly Contaminated Marine Sediments at El-Max District (Egypt, Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Amer Ranya A. , Mapelli Francesca , El Gendi Hamada M. , Barbato Marta , Goda Doaa A. , Corsini Anna , Cavalca Lucia , Fusi Marco , Borin Sara , Daffonchio Daniele , Abdel-Fattah Yasser R.
Published: July 2015

Coastal environments worldwide are threatened by the effects of pollution, a risk particularly high in semienclosed basins like the Mediterranean Sea that is poorly studied from bioremediation potential perspective especially in the Southern coast. Here, we investigated the physical, chemical, and microbiological features of hydrocarbon and heavy metals contaminated sediments collected at El-Max bay (Egypt). Molecular and statistical approaches assessing the structure of the sediment-dwelling bacterial communities showed correlations between the composition of bacterial assemblages and the associated environmental parameters. Fifty strains were isolated on mineral media supplemented by 1% crude oil and identified as a diverse range of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria involved in different successional stages of biodegradation. We screened the collection for biotechnological potential studying biosurfactant production, biofilm formation, and the capability to utilize different hydrocarbons. Some strains were able to grow on multiple hydrocarbons as unique carbon source and presented biosurfactant-like activities and/or capacity to form biofilm and owned genes involved in different detoxification/degradation processes. El-Max sediments represent a promising reservoir of novel bacterial strains adapted to high hydrocarbon contamination loads. The potential of the strains for exploitation forin situintervention to combat pollution in coastal areas is discussed.
FDA Approval Summary: Olaparib Monotherapy in Patients with Deleterious Germline BRCA-Mutated Advanced Ovarian Cancer Treated with Three or More Lines of Chemotherapy
Authors: Kim Geoffrey , Ison Gwynn , McKee Amy E. , Zhang Hui , Tang Shenghui , Gwise Thomas , Sridhara Rajeshwari , Lee Eunice , Tzou Abraham , Philip Reena , Chiu Haw-Jyh , Ricks Tiffany K. , Palmby Todd , Russell Anne Marie , Ladouceur Gaetan , Pfuma Elimika , Li Hongshan , Zhao Liang , Liu Qi , Venugopal Rajesh , Ibrahim Amna , Pazdur Richard
Published: July 2015

On December 19, 2014, the FDA approved olaparib capsules (Lynparza; AstraZeneca) for the treatment of patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm) advanced ovarian cancer who have been treated with three or more prior lines of chemotherapy. The BRACAnalysis CDx (Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc.) was approved concurrently. An international multicenter, single-arm trial enrolled 137 patients with measurable gBRCAm-associated ovarian cancer treated with three or more prior lines of chemotherapy. Patients received olaparib at a dose of 400 mg by mouth twice daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The objective response rate (ORR) was 34% with median response duration of 7.9 months in this cohort. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients treated with olaparib were anemia, nausea, fatigue (including asthenia), vomiting, diarrhea, dysgeusia, dyspepsia, headache, decreased appetite, nasopharyngitis/pharyngitis/upper respiratory infection, cough, arthralgia/musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, back pain, dermatitis/rash, and abdominal pain/discomfort. Myelodysplatic syndrome and/or acute myeloid leukemia occurred in 2% of the patients enrolled on this trial. Clin Cancer Res; 21(19); 4257–61. ©2015 AACR.
An Investigation of the Utility of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III in the Early Detection of Dementia in Memory Clinic Patients Aged over 75 Years
Authors: Jubb Michael T. , Evans Jonathan J.
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: To examine the validity of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III) in detecting early dementia in UK memory clinic patients aged 75-85 years. Methods: The ACE-III was administered to 59 patients prior to diagnosis. The extent to which scores predicted the membership of the dementia or no-dementia group was explored using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and other parameters of diagnostic performance. Thirty-three participants (55.9%) were diagnosed with dementia (Alzheimer's disease = 56.3%, Alzheimer's disease with cerebrovascular disease = 31.3%, and vascular dementia = 12.5%). Results: The optimal cut-off for detecting dementia was 81/100 (scores <81 indicating dementia with a sensitivity of 0.79, a specificity of 0.96, and a positive predictive value of 0.96), with superiority over published cut-offs (88/100 and 82/100) at medium and lower prevalence rates. The number of years of full-time education had a significant positive relationship to total ACE-III scores (r = 0.697, p < 0.001) for the no-dementia group. Exploratory analysis indicated that optimal cut-offs were different for higher versus lower education groups. Conclusions: The ACE-III has excellent accuracy for the detection of dementia in day-to-day clinical practice. Lower cut-offs than those specified in the index paper, and the consideration of the patients' years of full-time education may be necessary for optimal diagnostic performance.
Food Intolerance: Associations with the rs12212067 Polymorphism of FOXO3 in Crohn's Disease Patients in New Zealand
Authors: Marlow Gareth , Han Dug Yeo , Triggs Christopher M. , Ferguson Lynnette R.
Published: July 2015

Background: Diet is known to play a major role in Crohn's disease (CD). It has also been reported that the minor G allele from the rs12212067 polymorphism (T>G) in FOXO3 is associated with milder CD. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the rs12212067 polymorphism and food intolerances for a total of 253 foods. Methods: Tolerances and intolerances were recorded on a self-reported dietary questionnaire. Each food was scored on a 5-point ordinal scale: beneficial effects as ‘+ +' or ‘+', adverse effects as ‘- -' or ‘-', and ‘makes no difference' as ‘='. Dietary and genotype data were available for a total of 283 CD patients. Results: We identified 17 foods with beneficial effects in our study which were significantly associated with the G allele of the FOXO3 rs12212067 polymorphism. Of these, sweet potatoes had the highest reported frequency of beneficial responses. We also identified 4 foods with detrimental effects in more than 25% of our study population. These were mustard, wasabi, and raw and cooked tomatoes, which again were significantly associated with the G allele in FOXO3. Conclusions: There was strong evidence that adverse effects of mustard, wasabi, and raw and cooked tomatoes were significantly associated with the G allele of FOXO3 and that these foods should be avoided by people carrying this allele.
Growth Hormone Dynamics in Healthy Adults Are Related to Age and Sex and Strongly Dependent on Body Mass Index
Authors: Roelfsema Ferdinand , Veldhuis Johannes D.
Published: July 2015

Background: Studies on 24-hour growth hormone (GH) secretion are rare. The influences of sex, age, and adiposity are well recognized but generally derived from specific, selected subject groups, not spanning sexes, many age decades, and a range of body weights. Objective: Our goal was to investigate GH dynamics in a group of 130 healthy adult subjects, both men and women, across 5 age decades as well as a 2.5-fold range of body mass index (BMI) values. Methods: GH was measured by a sensitive immunofluorometric assay. Secretion parameters were quantified by automated deconvolution and relative pattern randomness by approximate entropy (ApEn). Results: The median age was 40 years (range 20-77). The median BMI was 26 (range 18.3-49.8). Pulsatile 24-hour GH secretion was negatively correlated with age (p = 0.002) and BMI (p < 0.0001). Basal GH secretion negatively correlated with BMI (p = 0.003) but not with age. The sex- dependent GH secretion (greater in women) was no longer detectable after 50 years of age. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels were lower in women over 50 years of age compared with men of a similar age. ApEn showed an age-related increase in both sexes and was higher in premenopausal and postmenopausal women than in men of comparable age (p < 0.0001). A single fasting GH measurement is not informative of 24-hour GH secretion. Conclusions: BMI dominates the negative regulation of 24-hour GH secretion across 5 decades of age in this up till now largest cohort of healthy adults who underwent 24-hour blood sampling. Sex also impacts GH secretion before the age of 50 years as well as its regularity at all ages. Differences in serum IGF-1 partly depend on the pre- or postmenopausal state. Finally, a single GH measurement is not informative of 24-hour GH secretion.
The Effects of Driver Distraction for Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injuries
Authors: Neyens David M. , Boyle Linda Ng , Schultheis Maria T.
Published: July 2015

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of secondary tasks on the driving performance of individuals with mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

Background:

Studies suggest detrimental impacts of driving with TBI or while distracted but the impact of driver distraction on TBI drivers is not well documented.

Method:

Bayesian regression models were used to estimate the effect of relatively simple secondary tasks on driving performance of TBI and healthy control (HC) drivers. A driving simulator was used to develop prior distribution of task effects on driving performance for HCs. An on-road study was conducted with TBI and HC drivers to generate effect estimates for the posterior distributions. The Bayesian models were also compared to frequentist models.

Results:

During a coin-sorting task, all drivers exhibited larger maximum lateral acceleration and larger standard deviation of speed than in a baseline driving segment. There were no significant driving performance differences between the TBI and the HC drivers during the tasks. Across all tasks, TBI drivers spent more time looking at the tasks and made more frequent glances toward the tasks.

Conclusions:

The findings show that even drivers with mild TBI have significantly longer and more glances toward the tasks compared to the HCs.

Application:

This study demonstrates a Bayesian approach and how the results differ from frequentist statistics. Using prior distributions in a Bayesian model helps account for the probabilities associated with otherwise unknown parameters. This method strengthens the Bayesian parameter estimates compared to that of a frequentist model.
Governmental accounting in Malta towards IPSAS within the context of the European Union
Authors: Jones Rowan , Caruana Josette
Published: July 2015

The central Government of Malta has had an accrual accounting reform in process since 1999. Originally, the accrual accounting reform envisaged developing and implementing a tailor-made set of accounting standards. These were developed but not implemented. In 2011 the central Government of Malta decided instead to fully adopt IPSAS. By means of documentary research, supported by interviews, this study tries to identify the underlying factors that led to this decision. The institutional theoretical framework is used to analyse the findings. The findings show that, in Malta, credibility is regarded as the most important factor, which will be provided by the adoption of internationally recognised and accepted standards. It is claimed that EU pressure had nothing to do with the Maltese government’s decision on accounting policy, but an undercurrent of such potential pressure is experienced.

Points for practitioners

One advantage of an accrual accounting system is that accrual data is generated from the accounting system, but this accrual data would still need to be reviewed in order to make it ESA-compliant. The solution proposed by the EU Commission is to revise IPSAS and minimise the differences with ESA. The feasibility of this solution is questionable given that the objectives of IPSAS and ESA are different and relate to different types of reporting. They purport to measure the same thing, that is the deficits and debts of a government, but they do not. In order for such convergence to be considered, one financial measure would have to give way to the other.
Mobile Technology Boosts the Effectiveness of Psychotherapy and Behavioral Interventions
Authors: Lindhiem Oliver , Bennett Charles B. , Rosen Dana , Silk Jennifer
Published: July 2015

We conducted a meta-analysis on the effects of mobile technology on treatment outcome for psychotherapy and other behavioral interventions. Our search of the literature resulted in 26 empirical articles describing 25 clinical trials testing the benefits of smartphone applications, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or text messaging systems either to supplement treatment or substitute for direct contact with a clinician. Overall, mobile technology use was associated with superior treatment outcome across all study designs and control conditions, effect size (ES) = .34, p < .0001. For the subset of 10 studies that looked specifically at the added benefit of mobile technology using a rigorous “Treatment” versus “Treatment + Mobile” design, effect sizes were only slightly more modest (ES = .27) and still significant ( p < .05). Overall, the results support the role of mobile technology for the delivery of psychotherapy and other behavioral interventions.
How Social Networks Affect Scientific Performance
Authors: Hong Wei , Zhao Yandong
Published: July 2015

Based on a national survey of Chinese scientific personnel in 2008, this paper sheds new light on the relationship between social networks and scientific performance. In this study, we used position generator to measure scientists’ ego-centered social networks. The scientists’ performance was measured by multiple indexes, including recognitions from the academic (papers), governmental (awards), and market (patents) sectors. The findings show that size and composition of scientists’ social networks have significant effect on their scientific performance. The notions of “information communication mechanism” and “resource acquisition mechanism” are introduced to explain how network composition affects scientific performance along multiple dimensions. The policy implications of the study are also discussed.
Intrapericardial lipoma compressing the right atrium
Authors: Tamenishi Akinori , Nishi Toshihiko , Okamoto Hiroshi
Published: July 2015

We report a case of intrapericardial lipoma compressing the right atrium. Cardiac lipomas are very rare benign tumors that may cause life-threatening complications by rapid growth. A 67-year-old woman presented with dyspnea and palpitations on effort due to compression of the right atrium. The tumor was surgically resected. There was no local recurrence after surgery.
Traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst due to thoracic trauma
Authors: Gulbahar Gultekin , Gundogdu Ahmet Gokhan , Kaplan Tevfik , Kocer Bulent
Published: July 2015

Traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst is uncommon and usually regresses spontaneously with conservative treatment. In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. A pseudocyst may be treated surgically to prevent potential complications if the patient undergoes a thoracotomy for another reason. We present a patient with hemopneumothorax and traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst after a motor vehicle accident, who was operated on electively due to massive air leak.
Sonographic Prevalence of Groin Hernias and Adductor Tendinopathy in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Naal Florian D. , Dalla Riva Francesco , Wuerz Thomas H. , Dubs Beat , Leunig Michael
Published: July 2015

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common debilitating condition that is associated with groin pain and limitation in young and active patients. Besides FAI, various disorders such as hernias, adductor tendinopathy, athletic pubalgia, lumbar spine affections, and others can cause similar symptoms.

Purpose:

To determine the prevalence of inguinal and/or femoral herniation and adductor insertion tendinopathy using dynamic ultrasound in a cohort of patients with radiographic evidence of FAI.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This retrospective study consisted of 74 patients (36 female and 38 male; mean age, 29 years; 83 symptomatic hips) with groin pain and radiographic evidence of FAI. In addition to the usual diagnostic algorithm, all patients underwent a dynamic ultrasound examination for signs of groin herniation and tendinopathy of the proximal insertion of the adductors.

Results:

Evidence of groin herniation was found in 34 hips (41%). There were 27 inguinal (6 female, 21 male) and 10 femoral (9 female, 1 male) hernias. In 3 cases, inguinal and femoral herniation was coexistent. Overall, 5 patients underwent subsequent hernia repair. Patients with groin herniation were significantly older than those without (33 vs 27 years, respectively; P = .01). There were no significant differences for any of the radiographic or clinical parameters. Tendinopathy of the proximal adductor insertion was detected in 19 cases (23%; 11 female, 8 male). Tendinopathy was coexistent with groin herniation in 8 of the 19 cases. There were no significant differences for any of the radiographic or clinical parameters between patients with or without tendinopathy. Patients with a negative diagnostic hip injection result were more likely to have a concomitant groin hernia than those with a positive injection result (80% vs 27%, respectively). Overall, 38 hips underwent FAI surgery with satisfactory outcomes in terms of score values and subjective improvement.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrate that groin herniation and adductor insertion tendinopathy coexist frequently in patients with FAI. Although the clinical effect is yet unclear, 5 patients underwent hernia repair. Dynamic ultrasound is a useful tool to detect such pathological abnormalities. Diagnostic hip injections can be helpful to differentiate between the sources of pain.
Twenty-Year Outcomes of a Longitudinal Prospective Evaluation of Isolated Endoscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Patellar Tendon Autografts
Authors: Thompson Simon , Salmon Lucy , Waller Alison , Linklater James , Roe Justin , Pinczewski Leo
Published: July 2015

Background:

Long-term prospective follow-up studies of single-incision endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are limited and may include confounding factors.

Purpose:

This longitudinal prospective study reports the outcomes of isolated ACL reconstruction using middle-third patellar tendon autografts in 90 patients over 20 years.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Between January 1993 and April 1994, a total of 90 patients met study inclusion criteria: evaluation at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 15, and 20 years after surgery. Exclusion criteria were associated ligamentous injuries requiring surgery, previous meniscectomy or meniscal injuries requiring more than one-third meniscectomy, chondral injuries, and an abnormal contralateral knee.

Results:

At 20 years, 32 (36%) patients had sustained another ACL injury: 8 (9%) to the index limb and 27 (30%) to the contralateral limb (3 injuring both knees). The mean International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 86. Of the patients, 50% participated in strenuous/very strenuous activities, and kneeling pain was present in 63%. Radiographic degenerative change was found in 61%; 20% had IKDC grade C, and 0% had grade D. The IKDC clinical examination revealed that 95% had a normal/nearly normal knee. Significant sex differences existed: when compared with male patients, female patients were less likely to reinjure the reconstructed ACL (18% vs 2%, respectively; P = .01), reported poorer IKDC subjective scores (90 vs 83, respectively; P = .03), had more activity-related pain (20% vs 57%, respectively; P = .02), and were less likely to participate in strenuous activities (66% vs 35%, respectively; P = .009). ACL graft survival was not related to age. Patients <18 years old had an increased odds ratio (3.2) for rupturing the contralateral ACL. A coronal graft angle <17° increased the risk of failure compared with an angle >17° (77% vs 96% survival, respectively) by a factor of 8.5.

Conclusion:

Injuries more commonly occurred in the contralateral ACL than in the reconstructed ACL graft, and the most significant predictor of a contralateral ACL injury was age <18 years. The most significant predictor of an ACL graft rupture was a coronal graft angle <17°. Female patients had lower rerupture rates, poorer subjective scores, and decreased participation in strenuous activities, putting the graft at a lower risk of failure. Kneeling pain remained persistent over 20 years. Radiographic osteoarthritis was evident in 61% of patients, but symptomatic osteoarthritic symptoms were rarely reported.
Dementia in the Oldest-Old
Authors: Sherzai Dean , Sherzai Ayesha , Babayan Diana , Chiou Daniel , Vega Sonia , Shaheen Magda
Published: July 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore gender and race-specific mortality and comorbidities associated with dementia hospitalizations among the oldest-old. Method: Using the 1999-2008 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified the association between dementia mortality and hospital characteristics in the oldest-old population. Results: The oldest-old population was mostly comprised of Whites (81.1%) and women (76.0%), had shorter length of hospital stay (6.12 days), and lower hospital charges (US$18,770.32) than the young-old, despite the higher in-hospital mortality. Crude in-hospital mortality was higher for White males in the young-old population, followed by Hispanics and African Americans. However, Hispanic males had the highest mortality, followed by Whites then African Americans in the oldest-old group. After adjusting for different variables, these relationships did not change. Discussion: There should be a greater focus on potential pre-existing biases regarding hospital care in the elderly, especially the oldest-old and elderly minority groups.
Gender Differences in Trajectories of Physical Activity Among Older Americans With Diabetes
Authors: McLaughlin Sara J. , Connell Cathleen M , Janevic Mary R.
Published: July 2015

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to examine gender differences in engagement in physical activity over time among older U.S. adults with diabetes. Method: Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we investigated physical activity between 2004 and 2010 among 1,857 adults aged 65 years and above with diabetes. Results: Less than half of adults were physically active at baseline. The probability of physical activity declined over the 6-year period, with no significant gender variation in the effect of time. Because the odds of physical activity were lower for women at baseline and the effect of time did not vary by gender, the trajectory of physical activity was less favorable for women than men. Discussion: The women in this cohort of older Americans started and remained less active than their male counterparts. Investigations covering a larger portion of the life course and those examining the impact of life events and transitions on physical activity among adults with diabetes are needed.
Neural Affective Mechanisms Predict Market-Level Microlending
Authors: Genevsky Alexander , Knutson Brian
Published: July 2015

Humans sometimes share with others whom they may never meet or know, in violation of the dictates of pure self-interest. Research has not established which neuropsychological mechanisms support lending decisions, nor whether their influence extends to markets involving significant financial incentives. In two studies, we found that neural affective mechanisms influence the success of requests for microloans. In a large Internet database of microloan requests ( N = 13,500), we found that positive affective features of photographs promoted the success of those requests. We then established that neural activity (i.e., in the nucleus accumbens) and self-reported positive arousal in a neuroimaging sample ( N = 28) predicted the success of loan requests on the Internet, above and beyond the effects of the neuroimaging sample’s own choices (i.e., to lend or not). These findings suggest that elicitation of positive arousal can promote the success of loan requests, both in the laboratory and on the Internet. They also highlight affective neuroscience’s potential to probe neuropsychological mechanisms that drive microlending, enhance the effectiveness of loan requests, and forecast market-level behavior.
The Anthropocene and the landscape of Confucius: A historical ecology of landscape changes in northern and eastern China during the middle to late-Holocene
Authors: Rosen Arlene M , Lee Jinok , Li Min , Wright Joshua , Wright Henry T , Fang Hui
Published: July 2015

The Yellow River catchment of northern China was central to the rise of complex societies from the first Neolithic farmers through to early states and empires. These cultural developments brought with them rising populations and increasing intensity of land-use. This region provides an important record of landscape changes that mark the development of the Anthropocene in China. Geoarchaeological research in the middle reaches of the Yellow River catchment of Henan Province and eastward to the Si River drainage of Shandong Province illustrates human impact on vegetation and hydrological systems dating back at least until the middle Neolithic Yangshao Period in the mid-Holocene, ca. 7000 yr BP. This research provides geomorphological evidence that early human impact began in the Yangshao period with deforestation, soil erosion, and increased alluviation in the upper catchment of the Yiluo River. The increased alluviation allowed small-scale Neolithic farmers to intensify and supplement their production with rice paddy farming. Further east along the Si River of Shandong Province, Neolithic Dawenkou farmers were intensifying production by taking advantage of the already moist floodplains, but had little impact on the surrounding forests and hillslopes. At the beginning of the Zhou Period (ca. 1000 BCE), farmers along the Si River at Qufu began to intensify production by digging canals into the floodplain, and deforestation of the hillslopes led to the beginnings of widespread floods and silty floodplain buildup, culminating in the massive destructive floods of the later Han Period characterized by thick sand beds.