bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional therapy in cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fialla Annette D. , Israelsen Mads , Hamberg Ole , Krag Aleksander , Gluud Lise Lotte
Published: February 2015

Background & Aims

Patients with cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis are often malnourished and have a superimposed stress metabolism, which increases nutritional demands. We performed a systematic review on the effects of nutritional therapy vs. no intervention for patients with cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis.

Methods

We included trials on nutritional therapy designed to fulfil at least 75% of daily nutritional demand. Authors extracted data in an independent manner. Random‐effects and fixed‐effect meta‐analyses were performed and the results expressed as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Sequential analyses were performed to evaluate the risk of spurious findings because of random and systematic errors. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the risk of bias and sources of between trial heterogeneity.

Results

Thirteen randomized controlled trials with 329 allocated to enteral (nine trials) or intravenous (four trials) nutrition and 334 controls. All trials were classed as having a high risk of bias. Random‐effects meta‐analysis showed that nutritional therapy reduced mortality 0.80 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.99). The result was not confirmed in sequential analysis. Fixed‐effect analysis suggested that nutrition prevented overt hepatic encephalopathy (0.73; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.96) and infection (0.66; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.98, respectively), but the results were not confirmed in random‐effects analyses.

Conclusion

Our review suggests that nutritional therapy may have beneficial effects on clinical outcomes in cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. High‐quality trials are needed to verify our findings.
Secretion of Tat‐dependent halolysin SptA capable of autocatalytic activation and its relation to haloarchaeal growth
Authors: Du Xin , Li Moran , Tang Wei , Zhang Yaoxin , Zhang Li , Wang Jian , Li Tingting , Tang Bing , Tang Xiao‐Feng
Published: February 2015

Halolysins are Tat‐dependent extracellular subtilases of haloarchaea. Whether halolysins can be activated before transport across the cytoplasmic membrane in a folded state and how haloarchaea minimize the risk of intracellular activation of halolysins and proteolysis of cellular proteins are unknown. Here, we report that both the precursor and proform of halolysin SptA from Natrinema sp. J7‐2 mature autocatalytically, and the SptA maturation proceeds less efficiently in the presence of KCl than NaCl. When produced in Haloferax volcanii, most SptA molecules are secreted into the culture medium, but a small number of molecules can be activated intracellularly, affecting the cell's growth. Furthermore, retardation of SptA secretion in Hfx. volcanii via mutation of the Tat signal peptide leads to intracellular accumulation of the active enzyme and subsequent cell death. Although the Sec signal peptide can mediate SptA secretion in Hfx. volcanii, the secreted protein undergoes proteolysis. In Natrinema sp. J7‐2, SptA is secreted primarily during stationary phase, and the intracellular accumulation of mature enzyme occurs during the stationary and death phases. The growth phase‐dependent synthesis of SptA, highly efficient secretion system, and high intracellular KCl concentration, contribute to the suppression of premature activation of this enzyme in Natrinema sp. J7‐2.
Mycorrhizal ecology and evolution: the past, the present, and the future
Authors: van der Heijden Marcel G. A. , Martin Francis M. , Selosse Marc‐André , Sanders Ian R.
Published: February 2015

Almost all land plants form symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi. These below‐ground fungi play a key role in terrestrial ecosystems as they regulate nutrient and carbon cycles, and influence soil structure and ecosystem multifunctionality. Up to 80% of plant N and P is provided by mycorrhizal fungi and many plant species depend on these symbionts for growth and survival. Estimates suggest that there arec. 50 000 fungal species that form mycorrhizal associations withc. 250 000 plant species. The development of high‐throughput molecular tools has helped us to better understand the biology, evolution, and biodiversity of mycorrhizal associations. Nuclear genome assemblies and gene annotations of 33 mycorrhizal fungal species are now available providing fascinating opportunities to deepen our understanding of the mycorrhizal lifestyle, the metabolic capabilities of these plant symbionts, the molecular dialogue between symbionts, and evolutionary adaptations across a range of mycorrhizal associations. Large‐scale molecular surveys have provided novel insights into the diversity, spatial and temporal dynamics of mycorrhizal fungal communities. At the ecological level, network theory makes it possible to analyze interactions between plant–fungal partners as complex underground multi‐species networks. Our analysis suggests that nestedness, modularity and specificity of mycorrhizal networks vary and depend on mycorrhizal type. Mechanistic models explaining partner choice, resource exchange, and coevolution in mycorrhizal associations have been developed and are being tested. This review ends with major frontiers for further research.

ContentsSummary1406I.Introduction1407II.Biodiversity of mycorrhizal associations1408III.Carbon and nutrient cycling and ecosystem multifunctionality1410IV.Mycorrhizal networks1411V.Evolution and partner selection1413VI.Mycorrhizal genomics and symbiotic molecular crosstalk1416VII.Conclusions and future research1418Acknowledgements1418References1419
A Shocking End to the Defibrillator as We Know It: Unmet Needs and the Case for a Stand‐Alone Device that Uses Pacing Only to Treat the Risk of Life‐Threatening Arrhythmias
Authors: GIMBEL J. ROD
Published: February 2015

The defining feature of an ICD is its capacity to deliver a shock. However, the past decade has seen a marked de‐emphasis on the perceived value, necessity and safety of shocks. As a consumer product, it is time to reimagine the ICD, decoupling the shock feature from pacing and antitachycardia pacing.
What is the Exclusion Problem?
Authors: Engelhardt Jeff
Published: February 2015

The philosophical literature contains at least three formulations of the problem of causal exclusion. Although each of the three most common formulations targets theories according to which some effects have ‘too many determiners’, no one is reducible to either of the others. This article proposes two ‘new’ exclusion problems and suggests that exclusion is not a single problem but a family of problems unified by the situations they problematize. It is shown, further, that for three of the most popular attempts to solve one or another of the ‘old’ problems, each remains vulnerable to one of the ‘new’ exclusion problems.
Effectiveness of combined therapy with pirfenidone and inhaled N‐acetylcysteine for advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A case–control study
Authors: Sakamoto Susumu , Muramatsu Yoko , Satoh Keita , Ishida Fumiaki , Kikuchi Naoshi , Sano Go , Sugino Keishi , Isobe Kazutoshi , Takai Yujiro , Homma Sakae
Published: February 2015

Background and objective

Treatment with pirfenidone may slow the decline in vital capacity and increase progression‐free survival (PFS) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The effects of combination therapy with inhaled N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) and pirfenidone are unclear. We assessed the effects of this combination therapy in patients with advanced IPF.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of advanced IPF (Japanese Respiratory Society stage III/IV IPF) and a relative decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) of ≥10% within the previous 6 (±2) months were enrolled. Outcomes were evaluated in a 12‐month follow‐up pulmonary function test. Treatment was considered ineffective if the decline in FVC was ≥10% and effective if the decline was <10%. We compared clinical characteristics, effectiveness and PFS between patients receiving inhaled NAC plus pirfenidone (n = 24) and those receiving pirfenidone alone (control; n = 10).

Results

Data from 34 IPF patients (age range, 59–82 years) were analysed. At the 12‐month follow‐up examination, treatment was deemed effective in 8 of 17 (47%) patients receiving NAC plus pirfenidone and in 2 of 10 (20%) receiving pirfenidone alone. The annual rate of change in FVC was −610 mL in the NAC plus pirfenidone group and −1320 mL in the pirfenidone group (P < 0.01). PFS was longer (304 days) in the NAC plus pirfenidone group than in the pirfenidone group (168 days; P = 0.016).

Conclusions

Combination treatment with inhaled NAC and oral pirfenidone reduced the rate of annual FVC decline and improved PFS in patients with advanced IPF.
Using multi‐country household surveys to understand who provides reproductive and maternal health services in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a critical appraisal of the Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Footman K. , Benova L. , Goodman C. , Macleod D. , Lynch C. A. , Penn‐Kekana L. , Campbell O. M. R.
Published: February 2015

Objective

The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) are a vital data resource for cross‐country comparative analyses. This study is part of a set of analyses assessing the types of providers being used for reproductive and maternal health care across 57 countries. Here, we examine some of the challenges encountered using DHS data for this purpose, present the provider classification we used, and provide recommendations to enable more detailed and accurate cross‐country comparisons of healthcare provision.

Methods

We used the most recent DHS surveys between 2000 and 2012; 57 countries had data on family planning and delivery care providers and 47 countries had data on antenatal care. Every possible response option across the 57 countries was listed and categorised. We then developed a classification to group provider response options according to two key dimensions: clinical nature and profit motive.

Results

We classified the different types of maternal and reproductive healthcare providers, and the individuals providing care. Documented challenges encountered during this process were limitations inherent in household survey data based on respondents’ self‐report; conflation of response options in the questionnaire or at the data processing stage; category errors of the place vs. professional for delivery; inability to determine whether care received at home is from the public or private sector; a large number of negligible response options; inconsistencies in coding and analysis of data sets; and the use of inconsistent headings.

Conclusions

To improve clarity, we recommend addressing issues such as conflation of response options, data on public vs. private provider, inconsistent coding and obtaining metadata. More systematic and standardised collection of data would aid international comparisons of progress towards improved financial protection, and allow us to better characterise the incentives and commercial nature of different providers.
Fatigue Damage Modeling Techniques for Textile Composites: Review and Comparison With Unidirectional Composite Modeling Techniques
Authors: Sevenois R. D. B. , Van Paepegem W.
Published: February 2015

Composite structural parts have been successfully introduced in high performance industries. Nowadays, also lower performance, high volume production industries are looking for the application of composites in their products. Especially attractive are textile composites (woven, braided, etc.) because of their better drapability and higher resistance to out-of-plane and dynamic loads. Currently, however, extensive mechanical tests are needed to properly design a composite structure. This is a requirement the large volume industries typically do not have the resources nor the time for. Reducing the need for structural tests can only be done if reliable simulation techniques are available. Simulation techniques for fatigue loading are particularly interesting because products generally have to perform their function over a period of time. For the textile structural composites concerned in this paper, some notable modeling techniques have been developed over the past 15 years. These techniques are presented here and the state of the art is established together with insights for future development by comparing the state of the art with the modeling techniques for laminates from unidirectional (UD) laminae.
Automatic quantitative analysis of ultrasound tongue contours via wavelet-based functional mixed models
Authors: Lancia Leonardo , Rausch Philip , Morris Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2015

This paper illustrates the application of wavelet-based functional mixed models to automatic quantification of differences between tongue contours obtained through ultrasound imaging. The reliability of this method is demonstrated through the analysis of tongue positions recorded from a female and a male speaker at the onset of the vowels /a/ and /i/ produced in the context of the consonants /t/ and /k/. The proposed method allows detection of significant differences between configurations of the articulators that are visible in ultrasound images during the production of different speech gestures and is compatible with statistical designs containing both fixed and random terms.
Scutellariae radixInduces Apoptosis in Chemoresistant SCC-25 Human Tongue Squamous Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Choi Byul-Bora , Choi Jeong Hae , Park Sang-Rye , Kim Ji-Young , Hong Jin-Woo , Kim Gyoo-Cheon
Published: February 2015

Scutellariae radix is one of the most widely used anticancer herbal medicines in several Asian countries, including Korea, Japan, and China. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common head and neck carcinomas, which is highly invasive and metastatic, and can potentially develop chemoresistance. Therefore, new effective treatment methods are urgently needed. We determined the effects of Scutellariae radix on SCC-25 cells using the WST-1 assay, F-actin staining, flow cytometry analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot analysis. Scutellariae radix treatment inhibited SCC-25 cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but it did not inhibit HaCaT (human keratinocyte) cell growth. Changes in cell morphology and disruption of filamentous (F)-actin organization were observed. Scutellariae radix-induced apoptosis as indicated by the translocation of cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) into the nucleus and cytosol. Scutellariae radix-induced an increase in cells with sub-G1 DNA content, and increased Bax, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-9, DNA fragmentation factor 45 (DFF 45), and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) expression levels. Furthermore, increased expression of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-related proteins was detected. The antitumor effect of Scutellariae radix was due to decreased cell proliferation, changes in cell morphology, and the activation of caspase and MAPK pathways. Taken together, the findings of this study highlight the anticancer activity of Scutellariae radix in chemoresistant SCC-25 oral squamous carcinoma cells.
The Transition Rules of 2D Linear Cellular Automata Over Ternary Field and Self-Replicating Patterns
Authors: Sahin Uḡur , Uguz Selman , Akin Hasan
Published: February 2015

In this paper we start with two-dimensional (2D) linear cellular automata (CA) in relation with basic mathematical structure. We investigate uniform linear 2D CA over ternary field, i.e. ℤ3. Present work is related to theoretical and imaginary investigations of 2D linear CA. Even though the basic construction of a CA is a discrete model, its macroscopic level behavior at large times and on large scales could be a close approximation to a continuous system. Considering some statistical properties, someone may also study geometrical aspects of patterns generated by cellular automaton evolution. After iteratively applying the linear rules, CA have been shown capable of producing interesting complex behaviors. Some examples of CA produce remarkably regular behavior on finite configurations. Using some simple initial configurations, the produced pattern can be self-replicating regarding some linear rules. Here we deal with the theory 2D uniform periodic, adiabatic and reflexive boundary CA (2D PB, AB and RB) over the ternary field ℤ3and the applications of image processing for patterns generation. From the visual appearance of the patterns, it is seen that some rules display sensitive dependence on boundary conditions and their rule numbers.
Bistability and State Transition of a Delay Differential Equation Model of Neutrophil Dynamics
Authors: Ma Suqi , Zhu Kaiyi , Lei Jinzhi
Published: February 2015

This paper studies the existence of bistable states and control strategies to induce state transitions of a delay differential equation model of neutrophil dynamics. We seek the conditions that a stable steady state and an oscillatory state coexist in the neutrophil dynamical system. Physiologically, stable steady state represents the healthy state, while oscillatory state is usually associated with diseases such as cyclical neutropenia. We study the control strategies to induce the transitions from the disease state to the healthy state by introducing temporal perturbations to system parameters. This study is valuable in designing clinical protocols for the treatment of cyclical neutropenia.
In Situ Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes/Graphene Nanoplatelets Hybrid Materials with Excellent Mechanical Performance
Authors: Wang Menglei , Yu Kejing , Qian Kun
Published: February 2015

A two-step method for the preparation of hybrid materials consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) attached to graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) was proposed. Firstly, poly (acryloyl chloride) was grafted in situ onto the surface of MWCNTs. Secondly, the obtained MWCNTs (MWCNTs-PACl) were reacted with acid-treated GNPs to form a nanotube–polymer–graphene hybrid. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to investigate the forming of the hybrid materials. FTIR results showed that MWCNTs/PACl and GNPs were successfully bridged by chemical bonds like O – C = O and C – O – C . Raman spectroscopy furthermore revealed that acryloyl chloride can be used to connect the MWCNTs and GNPs due to the defects of MWCNTs, and consequently the defects of the hybrid materials were limited. Meanwhile, TEM observation demonstrated the nanostructure clearly in which the MWCNTs with a polymer layer were attached successfully on the surface of GNPs. And TGA curves reflected that the content of MWCNTs and GNPs was about 46.5% in the hybrid materials. In addition, the tensile tests results showed that MWCNTs/GNPs hybrid materials can improve the mechanical performance of epoxy composites in higher degree, compared with MWCNTs or GNPs particles alone.
Early or Delayed Intervention for Bile Duct Injuries following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy? A Dilemma Looking for an Answer
Authors: Felekouras Evangelos , Petrou Athanasios , Neofytou Kyriakos , Moris Demetrios , Dimitrokallis Nikolaos , Bramis Konstantinos , Griniatsos John , Pikoulis Emmanouil , Diamantis Theodoros
Published: February 2015

Background. To evaluate the effect of timing of management and intervention on outcomes of bile duct injury.Materials and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 92 patients between 1991 and 2011. Data concerned patient’s demographic characteristics, type of injury (according to Strasberg classification), time to referral, diagnostic procedures, timing of surgical management, and final outcome. The endpoint was the comparison of postoperative morbidity (stricture, recurrent cholangitis, required interventions/dilations, and redo reconstruction) and mortality between early (less than 2 weeks) and late (over 12 weeks) surgical reconstruction.Results. Three patients were treated conservatively, two patients were treated with percutaneous drainage, and 13 patients underwent PTC or ERCP. In total 74 patients were operated on in our unit. 58 of them underwent surgical reconstruction by end-to-side Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, 11 underwent primary bile duct repair, and the remaining 5 underwent more complex procedures. Of the 56 patients, 34 patients were submitted to early reconstruction, while 22 patients were submitted to late reconstruction. After a median follow-up of 93 months, there were two deaths associated with BDI after LC. Outcomes after early repairs were equal to outcomes after late repairs when performed by specialists.Conclusions. Early repair after BDI results in equal outcomes compared with late repair. BDI patients should be referred to centers of expertise and experience.
The Balanced Two-String Technique for Sulcus Intraocular Lens Implantation in the Absence of Capsular Support
Authors: Ibrahim Hesham A. , Sabry Heba Nabil
Published: February 2015

Purpose. To describe and explore an alternative approach for sulcus intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the absence of capsular support.Methods. The commonly available one-piece poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) lens is stabilized in the sulcus by two intraocular horizontal strings of 10/0 polypropylene suture passed through the lens dialing holes in opposite directions to achieve a mechanical balance. The horizontal strings of 10/0 polypropylene work as a rail track for the IOL optics, allowing some side to side lens adjustment even following wound closure. The stability of the IOL was tested in vitro. Six aphakic patients underwent in-sulcus IOL secondary implantation using the balanced two-string technique. Patients were followed up for a minimum of six months. Best spectacle corrected vision was assessed. Lens centration and lens tilt were measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).Results. All patients had successful lens insertion. Best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) improved in all patients. Lens decentration ranged between 0.21 mm and 0.9 mm (average 0.53 mm). Lens tilt ranged between 1.2° and 2.8° (average 2.17°).Conclusion. The mechanically balanced two-string technique is an alternative option for sulcus IOL implantation in absence of capsular support, allowing lens centration adjustment with no additional risks.
Shaggy Photoreceptors with Subfoveal Fluid Associated with a Distant Choroidal Melanoma
Authors: Tran Ann Q. , Eadie James A. , Altaweel Michael M.
Published: February 2015

Purpose. To describe the enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) findings in a patient with an extra macula choroidal melanoma before and after treatment.Methods. Observational case report.Results. A 45 year-old Caucasian male patient was referred to retina clinic for management of choroidal melanoma. Examination revealed a nasal choroidal melanoma while EDI-OCT illustrated subfoveal fluid pocket with elongated shaggy photoreceptors distant and separate from the tumor. The patient was treated with plaque brachytherapy and intravitreal bevacizumab. One week after plaque removal, there was a dramatic reduction in the shaggy photoreceptors.Conclusion. Choroidal melanomas have effects that are not localized to the area of the tumor. This loculated pocket of subretinal fluid and coinciding changes to photoreceptor morphology may be related to global changes in choroidal function or release of tumor related cytokines.
Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome Presenting as Bilateral Central Retinal Artery Occlusions
Authors: Saraf Steven S. , Patel Yogin P. , Desai Ankit , Desai Uday R.
Published: February 2015

A previously healthy 22-year-old African American woman presented with bilateral vision loss associated with headache. Her ocular examination was significant for bilateral retinal arterial “boxcarring,” retinal whitening, retinal hemorrhages, and cherry red spots. She was diagnosed with bilateral central retinal artery occlusions and was hospitalized due to concomitant diagnosis of stroke and hypercoagulable state. She was also found to be in heart failure and kidney failure. Rheumatology was consulted and she was diagnosed with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in association with systemic lupus erythematosus. Approximately 7 months after presentation, the patient’s vision improved and remained stable at 20/200 and 20/80.
DNA Damage and Repair in Plants under Ultraviolet and Ionizing Radiations
Authors: Gill Sarvajeet S. , Anjum Naser A. , Gill Ritu , Jha Manoranjan , Tuteja Narendra
Published: February 2015

Being sessile, plants are continuously exposed to DNA‐damaging agents present in the environment such as ultraviolet (UV) and ionizing radiations (IR). Sunlight acts as an energy source for photosynthetic plants; hence, avoidance of UV radiations (namely, UV‐A, 315–400 nm; UV‐B, 280–315 nm; and UV‐C, <280 nm) is unpreventable. DNA in particular strongly absorbs UV‐B; therefore, it is the most important target for UV‐B induced damage. On the other hand, IR causes water radiolysis, which generates highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH•) and causes radiogenic damage to important cellular components. However, to maintain genomic integrity under UV/IR exposure, plants make use of several DNA repair mechanisms. In the light of recent breakthrough, the current minireview (a) introduces UV/IR and overviews UV/IR‐mediated DNA damage products and (b) critically discusses the biochemistry and genetics of major pathways responsible for the repair of UV/IR‐accrued DNA damage. The outcome of the discussion may be helpful in devising future research in the current context.
Sugarcane Yield Response to Furrow-Applied Organic Amendments on Sand Soils
Authors: McCray J. Mabry , Ji Shangning , Baucum Leslie E.
Published: February 2015

Organic amendments have been shown to increase sugarcane yield on sand soils in Florida. These soils have very low water and nutrient-holding capacities because of the low content of organic matter, silt, and clay. Because of high costs associated with broadcast application, this field study was conducted to determine sugarcane yield response to furrow application of two organic amendments on sand soils. One experiment compared broadcast application (226 m3 ha−1) of mill mud and yard waste compost, furrow application (14, 28, and 56 m3 ha−1) of these materials, and no amendment. Another experiment compared furrow applications (28 and 56 m3 ha−1) of mill mud and yard waste compost with no amendment. There were significant yield (t sucrose ha−1) responses to broadcast and furrow-applied mill mud but responses to furrow applications were not consistent across sites. There were no significant yield responses to yard waste compost suggesting that higher rates or repeated applications of this amendment will be required to achieve results comparable to mill mud. Results also suggest that enhancing water and nutrient availability in the entire volume of the root zone with broadcast incorporation of organic amendments is the more effective approach for low organic matter sands.
Diffusion Weighted MR Imaging of Primary and Recurrent Middle Ear Cholesteatoma: An Assessment by Readers with Different Expertise
Authors: Elefante A. , Cavaliere M. , Russo C. , Caliendo G. , Marseglia M. , Cicala D. , Piccolo D. , Di Lullo A. , Brunetti L. , Palma A. , Iengo M. , Brunetti A.
Published: February 2015

Introduction and Purpose. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) has been proven to be valuable in the diagnosis of middle ear cholesteatoma. The aims of our study were to evaluate the advantage of multi-shot turbo spin echo (MSh TSE) DWI compared to single-shot echo-planar (SSh EPI) DWI for the diagnosis of cholesteatoma.Material and Methods. Thirty-two patients with clinical suspicion of unilateral cholesteatoma underwent preoperative MRI (1.5T) with SSh EPI and MSh TSE. Images were separately analyzed by 4 readers with different expertise to confirm the presence of cholesteatoma. Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were assessed for each observer and interrater agreement was assessed using kappa statistics. Diagnosis was obtained at surgery.Results. Overall MSh TSE showed higher diagnostic accuracy and lower negative predictive value (NPV) compared to conventional SSh EPI. Interreader agreement between the observers revealed the superiority of MSh TSE compared to SSh EPI. Interrater agreement among all the four observers was higher by using MSh TSE compared to SSh EPI.Conclusion. Our findings suggest that MSh TSE DWI has higher sensitivity for detection of cholesteatoma and lower probability of misdiagnosis. MSh TSE DWI is useful in guiding less experienced observers to the diagnosis.
Electrical Bioimpedance Analysis: A New Method in Cervical Cancer Screening
Authors: Das Lopamudra , Das Soumen , Chatterjee Jyotirmoy
Published: February 2015

Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer worldwide and a disease of concern due to its high rate of incidence of about 500,000 women annually and is responsible for about 280,000 deaths in a year. The mortality and morbidity of cervical cancer are reduced through mass screening via Pap smear, but this technique suffers from very high false negativity of around 30% to 40% and hence the sensitivity of this technique is not more than 60%. Electrical bioimpedance study employing cytosensors over a frequency range offers instantaneous and quantitative means to monitor cellular events and is an upcoming technique in real time to classify cells as normal and abnormal ones. This technology is exploited for label-free detection of diseases by identifying and measuring nonbiological parameters of the cell which may carry the disease signature.
Realization of Ultraflat Plastic Film Using Dressed-Photon-Phonon-Assisted Selective Etching of Nanoscale Structures
Authors: Yatsui Takashi , Nomura Wataru , Ohtsu Motoichi
Published: February 2015

We compared dressed-photon-phonon (DPP) etching to conventional photochemical etching and, using a numerical analysis of topographic images of the resultant etched polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) substrate, we determined that the DPP etching resulted in the selective etching of smaller scale structures in comparison with the conventional photochemical etching. We investigated the wavelength dependence of the PMMA substrate etching using an O2 gas. As the dissociation energy of O2 is 5.12 eV, we applied a continuous-wave (CW) He-Cd laser (λ= 325 nm, 3.81 eV) for the DPP etching and a 5th-harmonic Nd:YAG laser (λ= 213 nm, 5.82 eV) for the conventional photochemical etching. From the obtained atomic force microscope images, we confirmed a reduction in surface roughness, Ra, in both cases. However, based on calculations involving the standard deviation of the height difference function, we confirmed that the conventional photochemical etching method etched the larger scale structures only, while the DPP etching process selectively etched the smaller scale features.
Athletic Differences in the Characteristics of the Photoplethysmographic Pulse Shape: Effect of Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Maximal Muscular Voluntary Contraction
Authors: Wang Anran , Yang Lin , Liu Chengyu , Cui Jingxuan , Li Yao , Yang Xingxing , Zhang Song , Zheng Dingchang
Published: February 2015

This study aimed to investigate the athletic differences in the characteristics of the photoplethysmographic (PPG) pulse shape. 304 athletes were enrolled and divided into three subgroups according to a typical sport classification in terms of the maximal oxygen uptake (MaxO2_low, MaxO2_middle and MaxO2_high groups) or the maximal muscular voluntary contraction (MMVC_low, MMVC_middle, and MMVC_high groups). Finger PPG pulses were digitally recorded and then normalized to derive the pulse area, pulse peak timeTp, dicrotic notch timeTn, and pulse reflection index (RI). The four parameters were finally compared between the three subgroups categorized by MaxO2or by MMVC. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated by quantifying the characteristics of the PPG pulses in different athletes that MaxO2, but not MMVC, had significant effect on the arterial properties.
Alloimmunization in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in French Guiana
Authors: Elenga Narcisse , Niel Loic
Published: February 2015

This study in French Guiana assessed the frequency of alloimmunization to red cell antigens in sickle cell disease patients over 1995–2011 and identified the most common antibodies. A retrospective analysis of the transfusion history and medical records of 302 patients showed that 29/178 transfused patients had developed alloantibodies (16%). The most frequent alloantibodies were anti-LE1, anti-MNS1, anti-LE2, and anti-FY1 and were developed after transfusion of standard red cell units. The frequency of the clinically significant antibodies in this population of SCD patients was 11% (19/178). The antibodies found on those patients who had delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction were anti-K1, anti-FY1, and anti-MNS3. The strategies used to decrease alloimmunization in French Guiana are discussed.
Automatic Extraction of Water Bodies from Landsat Imagery Using Perceptron Model
Authors: Mishra Kshitij , Prasad P. Rama Chandra
Published: February 2015

Extraction of water bodies from satellite imagery has been widely explored in the recent past. Several approaches have been developed to delineate water bodies from different satellite imagery varying in spatial, spectral, and temporal characteristics. The current study puts forward an automatic approach to extract the water body from a Landsat satellite imagery using a perceptron model. Perceptron involves classification based on a linear predictor function that merges few characteristic properties of the object commonly known as feature vectors. The feature vectors, combined with the weights, sum up to provide an input to the output function which is a binary hard limit function. The feature vector in this study is a set of characteristic properties shown by a pixel of the water body. Low reflectance of water in SWIR band, comparison of reflectance in different bands, and a modified normalized difference water index are used as descriptors. The normalized difference water index is modified to enhance its reach over shallow regions. For this study a threshold value of 2 has been proved as best among the three possible threshold values. The proposed method accurately and quickly discriminated water from other land cover features.
Dental Extrusion with Orthodontic Miniscrew Anchorage: A Case Report Describing a Modified Method
Authors: Horliana Ricardo Fidos , Horliana Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini , Wuo Alexandre do Vale , Perez Flávio Eduardo Guillin , Abrão Jorge
Published: February 2015

In recent years, the skeletal anchorage through miniscrews has expanded the treatment options in orthodontics (Yamaguchi et al., 2012). We hereby present a modified method for tooth extrusion for cases where crown-lengthening surgery is contraindicated for aesthetic reasons. This modified method uses three orthodontic appliances: a mini-implant, an orthodontic wire, and a bracket. The aim of this case report was to increase the length of the clinical crown of a fractured tooth (tooth 23) by means of an orthodontic extrusion with the modified method of Roth and Diedrich.
Novel Numerical Characterization of Protein Sequences Based on Individual Amino Acid and Its Application
Authors: Zhang Yan-ping , Sheng Ya-jun , Zheng Wei , He Ping-an , Ruan Ji-shuo
Published: February 2015

The hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of amino acids play a very important role in protein folding and its interaction with the environment and other molecules, as well as its catalytic mechanism. Based on the two physicochemical indexes, a 2D graphical representation of protein sequences is introduced; meanwhile, a new numerical characteristic has been proposed to compute the distance of different sequences for analysis of sequence similarity/dissimilarity on the basis of this graphical representation. Furthermore, we apply the new distance in the similarities/dissimilarities of ND5 proteins of nine species and predict the four major classes based on the dataset containing 639 domains. The results show that the method is simple and effective.
Human Pancreatic Cancer Tumors Are Nutrient Poor and Tumor Cells Actively Scavenge Extracellular Protein
Authors: Kamphorst Jurre J. , Nofal Michel , Commisso Cosimo , Hackett Sean R. , Lu Wenyun , Grabocka Elda , Vander Heiden Matthew G. , Miller George , Drebin Jeffrey A. , Bar-Sagi Dafna , Thompson Craig B. , Rabinowitz Joshua D.
Published: February 2015

Glucose and amino acids are key nutrients supporting cell growth. Amino acids are imported as monomers, but an alternative route induced by oncogenic KRAS involves uptake of extracellular proteins via macropinocytosis and subsequent lysosomal degradation of these proteins as a source of amino acids. In this study, we examined the metabolism of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a poorly vascularized lethal KRAS-driven malignancy. Metabolomic comparisons of human PDAC and benign adjacent tissue revealed that tumor tissue was low in glucose, upper glycolytic intermediates, creatine phosphate, and the amino acids glutamine and serine, two major metabolic substrates. Surprisingly, PDAC accumulated essential amino acids. Such accumulation could arise from extracellular proteins being degraded through macropinocytosis in quantities necessary to meet glutamine requirements, which in turn produces excess of most other amino acids. Consistent with this hypothesis, active macropinocytosis is observed in primary human PDAC specimens. Moreover, in the presence of physiologic albumin, we found that cultured murine PDAC cells grow indefinitely in media lacking single essential amino acids and replicate once in the absence of free amino acids. Growth under these conditions was characterized by simultaneous glutamine depletion and essential amino acid accumulation. Overall, our findings argue that the scavenging of extracellular proteins is an important mode of nutrient uptake in PDAC. Cancer Res; 75(3); 544–53. ©2014 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Novel Approaches for Improved Therapeutic Targeting of Hedgehog Signaling in Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Justilien Verline , Fields Alan P.
Published: February 2015

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is critical for embryonic development. In adult tissues, Hh signaling is relatively quiescent with the exception of roles in tissue maintenance and repair. Aberrant activation of Hh signaling is implicated in multiple aspects of transformation, including the maintenance of the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype. Preclinical studies indicate that CSCs from many tumor types are sensitive to Hh pathway inhibition and that Hh-targeted therapeutics block many aspects of transformation attributed to CSCs, including drug resistance, relapse, and metastasis. However, to date, Hh inhibitors, specifically those targeting Smoothened [such as vismodegib, BMS-833923, saridegib (IPI-926), sonidegib/erismodegib (LDE225), PF-04449913, LY2940680, LEQ 506, and TAK-441], have demonstrated good efficacy as monotherapy in patients with basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma, but have shown limited activity in other tumor types. This lack of success is likely due to many factors, including a lack of patient stratification in early trials, cross-talk between Hh and other oncogenic signaling pathways that can modulate therapeutic response, and a limited knowledge of Hh pathway activation mechanisms in CSCs from most tumor types. Here, we discuss Hh signaling mechanisms in the context of human cancer, particularly in the maintenance of the CSC phenotype, and consider new therapeutic strategies that hold the potential to expand considerably the scope and therapeutic efficacy of Hh-directed anticancer therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 21(3); 505–13. ©2015 AACR.
Molecular systematics and morphological identification of the cryptic species of the genus Acalles Schoenherr, 1825, with descriptions of new species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cryptorhynchinae)
Authors: SCHÜTTE ANDRÉ , STÜBEN PETER E.
Published: February 2015

Molecular systematics and morphological study of the monophyletic weevil genus Acalles Schoenherr, 1825 are presented. Based on the mitochondrial CO1 barcoding gene and 16S ribosomal RNA gene, we discuss three difficult species complexes in the framework of a molecular phylogenetic reconstruction of 37 of 47 Western Palaearctic Acalles species or subspecies: the A. echinatus, A. maraoensis and A. sierrae complexes. Two results are given: 1. An exclusive focus on morphological, exoskeletal methods reach their limits in the case of many cryptic Cryptorhynchinae. In these cases molecular analysis is indispensable to resolve species level questions. 2. By using a combination of phenotypic and genotypic characters it is not only possible to ascertain phylogenetic relationships, but also to uncover new morphological, non-intraspecifical characteristics. Digital photography with image stacking makes this possible: for the first time we present photo key for Acalles species, a reliable, less costly and quick method for identification alongside DNA barcoding. The following taxonomic changes are given: Coloracalles edoughensis Desbrochers, 1892 comb. nov. (formerly Acalles edoughensis) from North Africa and Spain change to Coloracalles Astrin & Stüben, 2008 and Pseudodichromacalles xerampelinus Wollaston, 1864 comb. nov. from the Canarian Island Tenerife, Acalles bazaensis Stüben, 2001 syn. nov. is a junior synonym of Acalles sierrae H. Brisout, 1865. Two new species of Acalles s. str. , A. iblanensis Stüben sp. nov. from Morocco and A. vorsti Stüben sp. nov. from Spain (Mallorca), and a new species of the subgenus Origoacalles Stüben & Astrin 2010, A. granulimaculosus Stüben sp. nov. from La Gomera, are described. Acalles temperei Péricart, 1987 stat. nov. is a subspecies of A. parvulus Boheman, 1837. A catalogue of all 43 (+4 incertae sedis) species of Acalles is presented. Finally and for the first time we compare 9 of 12 known North American so-called “Acalles” species with the Western Palaearctic species of Acalles surrounding the type species Curculio camelus Fabricius, 1792. The morphological and molecular analysis for the New World Acalles show that none of the species from the United States actually belong to the genus Acalles or one of the other genera of Western Palaearctic Cryptorhynchinae. There is one exception: Acalles costifer Le Conte, 1884, is transferred to the phylogenetically basal genus Acallocrates Reitter, 1913 as Acallocrates costifer (LeConte, 1884) comb. nov.
Two new species of the genus Sitana Cuvier, 1829 (Reptilia: Agamidae) from Sri Lanka, including a taxonomic revision of the Indian Sitana species
Authors: AMARASINGHE A. A. THASUN , INEICH IVAN , KARUNARATHNA D. M. S. SURANJAN , BOTEJUE W. MADHAVA S. , CAMPBELL PATRICK D.
Published: February 2015

The genus Sitana was described by Cuvier (1829) on the basis of a single species, S. ponticeriana. The secondly described, Sitana minor Günther, 1864, is identical to S. ponticeriana Cuvier, 1829, and should be considered as a junior objective synonym of the latter. The syntypes of S. deccanensis Jerdon, 1870 have been rediscovered, misplaced among the syntypes of S. minor (sensu Boulenger 1885) at the Natural History Museum (London) and the former taxon is here recognised as a valid species and redescribed. There is some doubt surrounding the taxon Sitana ponticeriana mucronata Deraniyagala, 1957. Its type is lost and no live populations have been found since its original description; therefore, we here consider this trinomen as a nomen dubium. The Sitana populations which are distributed in drier and warmer areas of the lower peneplain of Sri Lanka are sufficiently different from the known Indian species and are thus herein described as new species. The two new species, Sitana bahiri sp. nov. and Sitana devakai sp. nov., differ from mainland Indian congeners by having the following combination of characters: SVL 40.0–50.0 mm; axilla-dewlap length 28.3–32.5% of axilla-groin length; snout length 54.7–63.2% of head width; femur length 70.6–78.4% of tibia length; foot length 154.7–180.2% of head length; 49–59 midbody scales; 87–108 ventral scales; unequal and irregular lateral scales with intermediate enlarged scales; 7–9 supralabials; 14–17 subdigital lamellae on toe III; 21–26 subdigital lamellae on toe IV; enlarged scales above the tympanum; a single pale stripe from the snout up to the shoulder. Sitana bahiri sp. nov. differs from Sitana devakai sp. nov. by having ventrals 87–89 (vs. 100–108), mucronate lateral scales (vs. rounded) in males, and rounded (vs. mucronate) ventral scales in females, plus several other characters discussed later . The remaining Sitana populations in India seem to represent several undescribed species, but extensive field work and molecular studies are needed in order to obtain better knowledge. We believe this study, which provides descriptions for all the recognised Indian species, will go some way in stabilizing the nomenclature for this group of common agamid lizards.
Advertisement call and morphological variation of the poorly known and endemic Bokermannohyla juiju Faivovich, Lugli, Lourenço and Haddad, 2009 (Anura: Hylidae) from Central Bahia, Brazil
Authors: TAUCCE PEDRO P. G. , PINHEIRO PAULO D. P. , LEITE FELIPE S. F. , GARCIA PAULO C. A.
Published: February 2015

Bokermannohyla juiju is a member of the B. martinsi species group and it was described based on one male specimen. In order to enhance the knowledge about the species, we describe its advertisement call and morphological variation, including for the first time data on females. We also provide additional comments about its natural history, geographic distribution, and conservation. The advertisement call of B. juiju consists of a single note, non-pulsed, harmonic structured call emitted several times in a row. Four out of five males were found calling in bromeliads. The female, as it is common in many Bokermannohyla species, presents some morphological features not shared with the males, like a non-hypertrophied forearm and less developed prepollex.
A new species and synonymy in Elacatophora (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: February 2015

A new species of the Oriental genus Elacatophora, E. euconnoides sp. n., is described from the Cameron Highlands, West Malaysia. Diagnostic characters, including the male genitalia, are illustrated and discussed. A new case of subjective synonymy was discovered: Elacatophora minae (Makhan & Ezzatpanah, 2011) is placed as syn. n. of E. soesilae (Makhan & Ezzatpanah, 2011).