bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra- and Interindividual Variations Mask Interspecies Variation in the Microbiota of Sympatric Peromyscus Populations
Authors: Baxter Nielson T. , Wan Judy J. , Schubert Alyxandria M. , Jenior Matthew L. , Myers Philip , Schloss Patrick D.
Published: November 2014

Using populations of two sympatricPeromyscusspecies, we characterized the importance of the host species, physiology, environment, diet, and other factors in shaping the structure and dynamics of their gut microbiota. We performed a capture-mark-release experiment in which we obtained 16S rRNA gene sequence data from 49 animals at multiple time points. In addition, we performed 18S rRNA gene sequencing of the same samples to characterize the diet of each individual. Our analysis could not distinguish between the two species ofPeromyscuson the basis of the structures of their microbiotas. However, we did observe a set of bacterial populations that were found in every animal. Most notable were abundant representatives of the generaLactobacillusandHelicobacter. When we combined the 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequence analyses, we were unable to distinguish the communities on the basis of the animal's diet. Furthermore, there were no discernible differences in the structure of the gut communities based on the capture site or their developmental or physiological status. Finally, in contrast to humans, where each individual has a unique microbiota when sampled over years, among the animals captured in this study, the uniqueness of each microbiota was lost within a week of the original sampling. Wild populations provide an opportunity to study host-microbiota interactions as they originally evolved, and the ability to perform natural experiments will facilitate a greater understanding of the factors that shape the structure and function of the gut microbiota.
Quaternary Ammonium Biocides: Efficacy in Application
Authors: Gerba Charles P.
Published: November 2014

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are among the most commonly used disinfectants. There has been concern that their widespread use will lead to the development of resistant organisms, and it has been suggested that limits should be place on their use. While increases in tolerance to QACs have been observed, there is no clear evidence to support the development of resistance to QACs. Since efflux pumps are believe to account for at least some of the increased tolerance found in bacteria, there has been concern that this will enhance the resistance of bacteria to certain antibiotics. QACs are membrane-active agents interacting with the cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria and lipids of viruses. The wide variety of chemical structures possible has seen an evolution in their effectiveness and expansion of applications over the last century, including non-lipid-containing viruses (i.e., noroviruses). Selection of formulations and methods of application have been shown to affect the efficacy of QACs. While numerous laboratory studies on the efficacy of QACs are available, relatively few studies have been conducted to assess their efficacy in practice. Better standardized tests for assessing and defining the differences between increases in tolerance versus resistance are needed. The ecological dynamics of microbial communities where QACs are a main line of defense against exposure to pathogens need to be better understood in terms of sublethal doses and antibiotic resistance.
Nonribosomal Peptide Synthase Gene Clusters for Lipopeptide Biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis 916 and Their Phenotypic Functions
Authors: Luo Chuping , Liu Xuehui , Zhou Huafei , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Zhiyi
Published: November 2014

Bacillus
cyclic lipopeptides (LPs) have been well studied for their phytopathogen-antagonistic activities. Recently, research has shown that these LPs also contribute to the phenotypic features of
Bacillus
strains, such as hemolytic activity, swarming motility, biofilm formation, and colony morphology.
Bacillus subtilis
916 not only coproduces the three families of well-known LPs, i.e., surfactins, bacillomycin Ls (iturin family), and fengycins, but also produces a new family of LP called locillomycins. The genome of
B. subtilis
916 contains four nonribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS) gene clusters,
srf
,
bmy
,
fen
, and
loc
, which are responsible for the biosynthesis of surfactins, bacillomycin Ls, fengycins, and locillomycins, respectively. By studying
B. subtilis
916 mutants lacking production of one, two, or three LPs, we attempted to unveil the connections between LPs and phenotypic features. We demonstrated that bacillomycin Ls and fengycins contribute mainly to antifungal activity. Although surfactins have weak antifungal activity
in vitro
, the strain mutated in
srfAA
had significantly decreased antifungal activity. This may be due to the impaired productions of fengycins and bacillomycin Ls. We also found that the disruption of any LP gene cluster other than
fen
resulted in a change in colony morphology. While surfactins and bacillomycin Ls play very important roles in hemolytic activity, swarming motility, and biofilm formation, the fengycins and locillomycins had little influence on these phenotypic features. In conclusion,
B. subtilis
916 coproduces four families of LPs which contribute to the phenotypic features of
B. subtilis
916 in an intricate way.
Pathogenicity of Salmonella Strains Isolated from Egg Shells and the Layer Farm Environment in Australia
Authors: McWhorter Andrea R. , Davos Dianne , Chousalkar K. K.
Published: November 2014

In Australia, the egg industry is periodically implicated during outbreaks of
Salmonella
food poisoning.
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium and other nontyphoidal
Salmonella
spp., in particular, are a major concern for Australian public health. Several definitive types of
Salmonella
Typhimurium strains, but primarily
Salmonella
Typhimurium definitive type 9 (DT9), have been frequently reported during egg-related food poisoning outbreaks in Australia. The aim of the present study was to generate a pathogenicity profile of nontyphoidal
Salmonella
isolates obtained from Australian egg farms. To achieve this, we assessed the capacity of
Salmonella
isolates to cause gastrointestinal disease using both
in vitro
and
in vivo
model systems. Data from
in vitro
experiments demonstrated that the invasion capacity of
Salmonella
serovars cultured to stationary phase (liquid phase) in LB medium was between 90- and 300-fold higher than bacterial suspensions in normal saline (cultured in solid phase). During the
in vivo
infection trial, clinical signs of infection and mortality were observed only for mice infected with either 10
3
or 10
5
CFU of
S
. Typhimurium DT9. No mortality was observed for mice infected with
Salmonella
serovars with medium or low invasive capacity in Caco-2 cells. Pathogenicity gene profiles were also generated for all serovars included in this study. The majority of serovars tested were positive for selected virulence genes. No relationship between the presence or absence of virulence genes by PCR and either
in vitro
invasive capacity or
in vivo
pathogenicity was detected. Our data expand the knowledge of strain-to-strain variation in the pathogenicity of Australian egg industry-related
Salmonella
spp.
Is iron treatment beneficial in, iron-deficient but non-anaemic (IDNA) endurance athletes? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Burden Richard J , Morton Katie , Richards Toby , Whyte Gregory P , Pedlar Charles R
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether iron treatments improve the iron status and aerobic capacity of iron deficient non-anaemic endurance athletes.

Method

A meta-analysis of studies that investigated the effects of iron treatment on serum ferritin (sFer), serum iron (sFe), transferrin saturation (Tsat), haemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) and (). Seventeen eligible studies were identified from online databases.

Results

Analysis of pooled data indicated that iron treatments had a large effect on improving sFer (Hedges’ g=1.088, 95% CI 0.914 to 1.263, p<0.001), sFe (Hedges’ g=1.004, 95% CI 0.828 to 1.181, p<0.001) and Tsat (Hedges g=0.741, 95% CI 0.564 to 0.919, p<0.001) and a moderate effect on improving [Hb] (Hedges’ g=0.695, 95% CI 0.533 to 0.836, p<0.001) and(Hedges’ g=0.610, 95% CI 0.399 to 0.821,p<0.001). Regression analysis revealed a significant interaction between the effect of iron treatment on sFer and treatment duration, suggesting treatments that lasted beyond 80 days appear to have the least effect on sFer.

Conclusions

These results indicate iron treatments improve the iron status and aerobic capacity of iron deficient non-anaemic endurance athletes.
Alcohol-related hospitalisations of trauma patients in Southern Taiwan: a cross-sectional study based on a trauma registry system
Authors: Rau Cheng-Shyuan , Liu Hang-Tsung , Hsu Shiun-Yuan , Cho Tzu-Yu , Hsieh Ching-Hua
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To provide an overview of the demographic characteristics of patients with positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and to investigate the performance of brain CT scans in these patients.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Taiwan.

Participants

2192 patients who had undergone a test for blood alcohol of 13 233 patients registered in the Trauma Registry System between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2012. A BAC level of 50 mg/dL was defined as the cut-off value. Detailed information was retrieved from the patients with positive BAC (n=793) and was compared with information from those with a negative BAC (n=1399).

Main outcome measures

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Injury Severity Score (ISS) as well as the performance and findings of obtained brain CT scans.

Results

Patients with positive BAC had a higher rate of face injury, but a lower GCS score, a lower rate of head and neck injury, a lower ISS and New Injury Severity Score. Alcohol use was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay (8.6 vs 11.4 days, p=0.000) in patients with an ISS of <16. Of 496 patients with positive BAC who underwent brain CT, 164 (33.1%) showed positive findings on CT scan. In contrast, of 891 patients with negative BAC who underwent brain CT, 389 (43.7%) had positive findings on CT scan. The lower percentage of positive CT scan findings in patients with positive BAC was particularly evident in patients with an ISS <16 (18.0% vs 28.8%, p=0.001).

Conclusions

Patients who consumed alcohol tended to have a low GCS score and injuries that were less severe. However, given the significantly low percentage of positive findings, brain CT might be overused in these patients with less severe injuries.
Quality of medicines in Canada: a retrospective review of risk communication documents (2005–2013)
Authors: Almuzaini Tariq , Sammons Helen , Choonara Imti
Published: November 2014

Objective

To explore the quality and safety of medicines in Canada.

Design

A retrospective review of drug recalls and risk communication documents conveying issues relating to defective (ie, substandard and falsified) medicines.

Setting

The Health Canada website search for drug recalls and risk communication documents issued between 2005 and 2013.

Eligibility criteria

Drug recalls and risk communication documents related to quality defect in medicinal products.

Main outcome measure

Relevant data about defective medicines reported in drug recalls and risk communication documents, including description of the defect, type of formulation, year of the recall and category of the recall or the document.

Results

There were 653 defective medicines of which 649 were substandard. The number of defective medicines reported by Health Canada increased from 42 in 2005 to 143 in 2013. The two most frequently reported types of defects were stability (205 incidents) and contamination issues (139 incidents). Some of these defects were found to be more prominent and repetitive over other types within some manufacturers. Tablet formulation (251 incidents) was the formulation most frequently compromised. No significant differences were observed between the manufacturers and distributors in the number of substandard medicines reported under each defect type. There were only four falsified medicines reported over the 9-year period.

Conclusions

Substandard medicines are a problem in Canada and have resulted in an increasing number of recalled medicines. Most of the failures were related to stability issues, raising the need to investigate the root causes and for stringent preventative measures to be implemented by manufacturers.
On fiction, art and medicine
Authors: Moss Sarah
Published: November 2014

This is a deliberately eclectic and eccentric meditation on some of the connections between writing fiction, academic research in the history of medicine and the practice of medicine. The essay discusses creativity in research and writing, suggesting comparisons with the instincts of experienced clinicians, and explains the author's interest in women's entry to the medical profession. There is the suggestion of parallels between artists’ models and surgical patients in late 19th century British culture.
Rupture of giant vertebrobasilar aneurysm following flow diversion: mechanical stretch as a potential mechanism for early aneurysm rupture
Authors: Fox Benjamin , Humphries William Edward , Doss Vinodh T , Hoit Daniel , Elijovich Lucas , Arthur Adam S
Published: November 2014

A patient with a giant symptomatic vertebrobasilar aneurysm was treated by endoscopic third ventriculostomy for obstructive hydrocephalus followed by treatment of the aneurysm by flow diversion using a Pipeline Embolization Device. After an uneventful procedure and initial periprocedural period, the patient experienced an unexpected fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage 1 week later. Autopsy demonstrated extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage and aneurysm rupture (linear whole wall rupture). The patent Pipeline Embolization Device was in its intended location, as was the persistent coil occlusion of the distal left vertebral artery. The aneurysm appeared to rupture in a linear manner and contained a thick large expansile clot that seemed to disrupt or rupture the thin aneurysm wall directly opposite the basilar artery/Pipeline Embolization Device. We feel the pattern of aneurysm rupture in our patient supports the idea that the combination of flow diversion and the resulting growing intra-aneurysmal thrombus can create a mechanical force with the potential to cause aneurysm rupture.
Optimal rate for support vector machine regression with Markov chain samples
Authors: Xu Jie
Published: November 2014

Support vector machine regression (SVMR) is a regularized learning method in reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces with epsilon-insensitive loss function. Different from the previously known works on the generalization ability of SVMR with independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) samples, in this paper, we consider the generalization ability of SVMR algorithm based on non-i.i.d. samples, uniformly ergodic Markov chain (u.e.M.c.) samples. We give an error analysis for SVMR algorithm based on u.e.M.c. samples and obtain the optimal learning rate for the SVMR algorithm based on u.e.M.c. samples.
Changes in vascular properties, not ventricular properties, predominantly contribute to baroreflex regulation of arterial pressure
Authors: Sakamoto Takafumi , Kakino Takamori , Sakamoto Kazuo , Tobushi Tomoyuki , Tanaka Atsushi , Saku Keita , Hosokawa Kazuya , Onitsuka Ken , Murayama Yoshinori , Tsutsumi Takaki , Ide Tomomi , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: November 2014

Baroreflex modulates both the ventricular and vascular properties and stabilizes arterial pressure (AP). However, how changes in those mechanical properties quantitatively impact the dynamic AP regulation remains unknown. We developed a framework of circulatory equilibrium, in which both venous return and cardiac output are expressed as functions of left ventricular (LV) end-systolic elastance (Ees), heart rate (HR), systemic vascular resistance (R), and stressed blood volume (V). We investigated the contribution of each mechanical property using the framework of circulatory equilibrium. In six anesthetized dogs, we vascularly isolated carotid sinuses and randomly changed carotid sinus pressure (CSP), while measuring the LV Ees, aortic flow, right and left atrial pressure, and AP for at least 60 min. We estimated transfer functions from CSP to Ees, HR, R, and V in each dog. We then predicted these parameters in response to changes in CSP from the transfer functions using a data set not used for identifying transfer functions and predicted changes in AP using the equilibrium framework. Predicted APs matched reasonably well with those measured ( r2 = 0.85–0.96, P < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses indicated that Ees and HR (ventricular properties) accounted for 14 ± 4 and 4 ± 2%, respectively, whereas R and V (vascular properties) accounted for 32 ± 4 and 39 ± 4%, respectively, of baroreflex-induced AP regulation. We concluded that baroreflex-induced dynamic AP changes can be accurately predicted by the transfer functions from CSP to mechanical properties using our framework of circulatory equilibrium. Changes in the vascular properties, not the ventricular properties, predominantly determine baroreflex-induced AP regulation.
Linking increased airway hydration, ciliary beating, and mucociliary clearance through ENaC inhibition
Authors: Åstrand Annika B. M. , Hemmerling Martin , Root James , Wingren Cecilia , Pesic Jelena , Johansson Edvin , Garland Alaina L. , Ghosh Arunava , Tarran Robert
Published: November 2014

Airway dehydration causes mucus stasis and bacterial overgrowth in cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis (CB). Rehydration by hypertonic saline is efficacious but suffers from a short duration of action. We tested whether epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) inhibition would rehydrate normal and dehydrated airways to increase mucociliary clearance (MCC) over a significant time frame. For this, we used a tool compound (Compound A), which displays nanomolar ENaC affinity and retention in the airway surface liquid (ASL). Using normal human bronchial epithelial cultures (HBECs) grown at an air-liquid interface, we evaluated in vitro potency and efficacy using short-circuit current ( Isc) and ASL height measurements where it inhibited Isc and increased ASL height by ∼50% (0.052 μM at 6 h), respectively. The in vivo efficacy was investigated in a modified guinea pig tracheal potential difference model, where we observed an effective dose (ED50) of 5 μg/kg (i.t.), and by MCC measures in rats and sheep, where we demonstrated max clearance rates at 100 μg/kg (i.t.) and 75 μg/kg (i.t.), respectively. Acute cigarette smoke-induced ASL height depletion in HBECs was used to mimic the situation in patients with CB, and pretreatment prevented both cigarette smoke-induced ASL dehydration and lessened the decrease in ciliary beat frequency. Furthermore, when added after cigarette smoke exposure, Compound A increased the rate of ASL rehydration. In conclusion, Compound A demonstrated significant effects and a link between increased airway hydration, ciliary function, and MCC. These data support the hypothesis that ENaC inhibition may be efficacious in the restoration of mucus hydration and transport in patients with CB.
Transforming growth factor-β induces microRNA-29b to promote murine alveolar macrophage dysfunction after bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Domingo-Gonzalez Racquel , Wilke Carol A. , Huang Steven K. , Laouar Yasmina , Brown Jeanette P. , Freeman Christine M. , Curtis Jeffrey L. , Yanik Gregory A. , Moore Bethany B.
Published: November 2014

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is complicated by pulmonary infections that manifest posttransplantation. Despite engraftment, susceptibility to infections persists long after reconstitution. Previous work using a murine bone marrow transplant (BMT) model implicated increased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2(PGE2) in promoting impaired alveolar macrophage (AM) responses. However, mechanisms driving COX-2 overexpression remained elusive. Previously, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling after BMT was shown to promote hypomethylation of the COX-2 gene. Here, we provide mechanistic insight into how this occurs and show that TGF-β induces microRNA (miR)-29b while decreasing DNA methyltransferases (DNMT)1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b in AMs after BMT. De novo DNMT3a and DNMT3b were decreased upon transient transfection of miR-29b, resulting in decreased methylation of the COX-2 promoter and induction of COX-2. As a consequence, miR-29b-driven upregulation of COX-2 promoted AM dysfunction, and transfection of BMT AMs with a miR-29b inhibitor rescued the bacterial-killing defect. MiR-29b-mediated defects in BMT AMs were dependent on increased levels of PGE2, as miR-29b-transfected AMs treated with a novel E prostanoid receptor 2 antagonist abrogated the impaired bacterial killing. We also demonstrate that patients that have undergone HSCT exhibit increased miR-29b; thus these studies highlight miR-29b in driving defective AM responses and identify this miRNA as a potential therapeutic target.
Role of Kv7 channels in responses of the pulmonary circulation to hypoxia
Authors: Sedivy Vojtech , Joshi Shreena , Ghaly Youssef , Mizera Roman , Zaloudikova Marie , Brennan Sean , Novotna Jana , Herget Jan , Gurney Alison M.
Published: November 2014

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) is a beneficial mechanism that diverts blood from hypoxic alveoli to better ventilated areas of the lung, but breathing hypoxic air causes the pulmonary circulation to become hypertensive. Responses to airway hypoxia are associated with depolarization of smooth muscle cells in the pulmonary arteries and reduced activity of K+channels. As Kv7 channels have been proposed to play a key role in regulating the smooth muscle membrane potential, we investigated their involvement in the development of HPV and hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Vascular effects of the selective Kv7 blocker, linopirdine, and Kv7 activator, flupirtine, were investigated in isolated, saline-perfused lungs from rats maintained for 3–5 days in an isobaric hypoxic chamber (FiO2= 0.1) or room air. Linopirdine increased vascular resistance in lungs from normoxic, but not hypoxic rats. This effect was associated with reduced mRNA expression of the Kv7.4 channel α-subunit in hypoxic arteries, whereas Kv7.1 and Kv7.5 were unaffected. Flupirtine had no effect in normoxic lungs but reduced vascular resistance in hypoxic lungs. Moreover, oral dosing with flupirtine (30 mg/kg/day) prevented short-term in vivo hypoxia from increasing pulmonary vascular resistance and sensitizing the arteries to acute hypoxia. These findings suggest a protective role for Kv7.4 channels in the pulmonary circulation, limiting its reactivity to pressor agents and preventing hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. They also provide further support for the therapeutic potential of Kv7 activators in pulmonary vascular disease.
The Sarcoplasmic Reticulum and the Evolution of the Vertebrate Heart
Authors: Shiels Holly A. , Galli Gina L.J.
Published: November 2014

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is crucial for contraction and relaxation of the mammalian cardiomyocyte, but its role in other vertebrate classes is equivocal. Recent evidence suggests differences in SR function across species may have an underlying structural basis. Here, we discuss how SR recruitment relates to the structural organization of the cardiomyocyte to provide new insight into the evolution of cardiac design and function in vertebrates.
King of the Mountains: Tibetan and Sherpa Physiological Adaptations for Life at High Altitude
Authors: Gilbert-Kawai Edward T. , Milledge James S. , Grocott Michael P.W. , Martin Daniel S.
Published: November 2014

Anecdotal evidence surrounding Tibetans' and Sherpas' exceptional tolerance to hypobaric hypoxia has been recorded since the beginning of high-altitude exploration. These populations have successfully lived and reproduced at high altitude for hundreds of generations with hypoxia as a constant evolutionary pressure. Consequently, they are likely to have undergone natural selection toward a genotype (and phenotype) tending to offer beneficial adaptation to sustained hypoxia. With the advent of translational human hypoxic research, in which genotype/phenotype studies of healthy individuals at high altitude may be of benefit to hypoxemic critically ill patients in a hospital setting, high-altitude natives may provide a valuable and intriguing model. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the scientific literature encompassing Tibetan and Sherpa physiological adaptations to a high-altitude residence. The review demonstrates the extent to which evolutionary pressure has refined the physiology of this high-altitude population. Furthermore, although many physiological differences between highlanders and lowlanders have been found, it also suggests many more potential avenues of investigation.
Description of Guava Osmotic Dehydration Using a Three-Dimensional Analytical Diffusion Model
Authors: da Silva Wilton Pereira , e Silva Cleide M. D. P. S. , Farias Aires Kalina Lígia Cavalcante de Almeida
Published: November 2014

The mass migrations during osmotic dehydration of guava were studied. Parallelepiped shaped slices were dipping in syrup of distilled water and sucrose with two concentrations and two temperatures. It was supposed that a three-dimensional diffusion model with boundary condition of the first kind satisfactorily describes the mass migrations and that the volume and effective mass diffusivities can be assumed constant during the process. The effective mass diffusivities were determined by coupling the three-dimensional analytical solution of the diffusion equation with an optimizer based on the inverse method. The proposed model well described the kinetics of water and sucrose migrations and enabled determining the mass distributions (water and sucrose) within the product at any instant.
Complete Heart Block and Persistent Lactic Acidosis as an Initial Presentation of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in a Critically Ill Newly Diagnosed AIDS Patient
Authors: Ijaz Mohsin , Tariq Hassan , Niazi Masooma , Lvovsky Dmitry
Published: November 2014

A 66-year-old male with newly diagnosed untreated acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) presented with chronic nonspecific complaints of weakness, fatigue, myalgia, and weight loss. His initial EKG showed complete heart block necessitating temporary pacemaker placement. He had no previous history of cardiac disease. He was also found to have a persistent lactic acidosis and imaging studies showed abdominal lymphadenopathy. The patient underwent biopsy of these lymph nodes and was found to have diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The hospital course was complicated by respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilator support and cardiac arrest. Patient remained critically ill; he was not a candidate for chemotherapy and, after a month of hospitalization, he died. Lactic acidosis and heart block as an initial presentation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in an AIDS patient are an unusual and unique presentation.
Interfacial Adhesion Characteristics of Kenaf Fibres Subjected to Different Polymer Matrices and Fibre Treatments
Authors: Nirmal Umar , Lau Saijod T. W. , Hashim Jamil
Published: November 2014

This study is aimed at determining the interfacial adhesion strength (IAS) of kenaf fibres using different chemical treatments in hydrochloric (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with different concentrations. Single fibre pullout tests (SFPT) were carried out for both untreated and treated fibres partially embedded into three different polymer matrices; polyester, epoxy, and polyurethane (PU) as reinforcement blocks and tested under dry loading conditions. The study revealed that kenaf fibres treated with 6% NaOH subjected to polyester, epoxy, and PU matrices exhibits excellent IAS while poor in acidic treatment. The effect of SFPT results was mainly attributed to chemical composition of the fibres, types of fibre treatments, and variation in resin viscosities. By scanning electron microscopy examination of the material failure morphology, the fibres experienced brittle and ductile fibre breakage mechanisms after treatment with acidic and alkaline solutions.
An Adult Patient with Systemic Mastocytosis and B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Iliakis Theodoros , Rougkala Niki , Diamantopoulos Panagiotis T. , Papadopoulou Vasiliki , Kalala Fani , Zervakis Konstantinos , Giannakopoulou Nefeli , Chatzinikolaou Polixeni , Levidou Georgia , Lakiotaki Eleftheria , Korkolopoulou Penelope , Patsouris Efstratios , Variami Eleni , Viniou Nora-Athina
Published: November 2014

Mastocytosis is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by clonal expansion of abnormal mast cells, ranging from the cutaneous forms of the disease to mast cell leukemia. In a significant proportion of patients, systemic mastocytosis (SM) coexists with another hematologic malignancy, termed systemic mastocytosis with an associated hematologic nonmast cell lineage disorder (SM-AHNMD). Despite the pronounced predominance of concomitant myeloid neoplasms, the much more unusual coexistence of lymphoproliferative diseases has also been reported. Imatinib mesylate (IM) has a role in the treatment of SM in the absence of the KITD816V mutation. In the setting of SM-AHNMD, eradicating the nonmast cell malignant clone greatly affects prognosis. We report a case of an adult patient with SM associated with B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Three cases of concurrent adult ALL and mastocytosis have been reported in the literature, one concerning SM and two concerning cutaneous mastocytosis (CM), as well as six cases of concomitant CM and ALL in children.
The Unsteady Mainstay of the Family: Now Adult Children’s Retrospective View on Social Support in Relation to Their Parent’s Heart Transplantation
Authors: Ågren Susanna , Ivarsson Bodil , Rönning Helén
Published: November 2014

The needs for support among children with a seriously ill parent, who is waiting for heart transplantation, are unknown today. The aim was to describe now adult children’s experiences of social support in relation to a parent’s heart transplant during childhood. Nine females and four males were interviewed. The median age for the children was 18 at the transplantation and their parents had been ill before for 18 months (median) and on waiting list for 161 days (mean). Three categories emerged:health care professionals’ approaches, family and friends’ approaches, and society approaches. Our results show that there was lack of support for children of heart transplantation patients. Support in the shape of information was in most cases provided by the sick or healthy parent. It is of great clinical importance to develop psychosocial support programs for children with a seriously ill parent waiting for heart transplantation (before, during, and after surgery).
Primary Cardiac Burkitt Lymphoma Presenting with Abdominal Pain
Authors: Tzachanis Dimitrios , Dewar Rajan , Luptakova Katarina , Chang James D. , Joyce Robin M.
Published: November 2014

We describe the case of a 44-year-old woman with primary Burkitt lymphoma of the heart who presented with abdominal bloating and epigastric discomfort secondary to tamponade physiology caused by a large pericardial effusion. The pericardial fluid contained a large number of highly atypical lymphocytes with moderate basophilic cytoplasm, rare punched-out vacuoles, a vesicular nuclear chromatin, large nucleolus, and marginated chromatin that by FISH were positive for the 8;14 translocation. She had no other sites of disease. She was treated with four alternating cycles of modified CODOX-M and IVAC in combination with rituximab and remains in remission more than 5 years since diagnosis.
Electrochemical Impedance and Modelling Studies of the Corrosion of Three Commercial Stainless Steels in Molten Carbonate
Authors: Ni C. S. , Lu L. Y.
Published: November 2014

The corrosion induced by molten carbonates on the metallic structure materials is a problem constraining the life span of molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) at elevated temperatures. The reaction between the outgrowing oxide scale and lithium carbonate in the electrolyte is generally a slow process and very important to the passivation behaviour of the underlying steel. The corrosion behaviour of three commercial alloys (P92, SS304, and SS310) with different Cr contents in molten (0.62Li, 0.38K)2CO3at 650°C was monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for 120 hours to investigate the lithiation process. With SEM images and extensive XRD analysis of the oxides, equivalent circuits were proposed to interpret the impedance data and explain the corrosion behaviour of the three alloys at different stage with respect to lithiation process.
Chronic Idiopathic Neutrophilia in Two Twins
Authors: Miniero Roberto , Mazza Giuseppe Antonio , Altomare Federica , Fusaro Carla
Published: November 2014

Neutrophilia in adults refers to an alteration in the total number of blood neutrophils that is in excess of about 7500 cells/μL. This definition is restrictive in childhood as neutrophil count is age-dependent. Chronic Idiopathic Neutrophilia (CIN) refers to a condition that persists for many years in individuals who appear otherwise healthy. CIN is rarely mentioned in scientific literature and in academic books of hematology; only few words are dedicated to this topic. We report a case study of two twins with CIN followed from the first year of life to 24 years of age. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report of two twins with CIN followed through a long period of time. We believe that our observation may contribute to better understand and characterize this hematologic abnormality.
A Population Pharmacokinetic Approach to Describe Cephalexin Disposition in Adult and Aged Dogs
Authors: Prados Ana Paula , Schaiquevich Paula , Kreil Verónica , Monfrinotti Agustina , Quaine Pamela , Tarragona Lisa , Hallu Ruben , Rebuelto Marcela
Published: November 2014

This study was conducted in order to characterize the pharmacokinetics of orally administered cephalexin to healthy adult and aged dogs, using a population pharmacokinetic approach. Two hundred and eighty-six cephalexin plasma concentrations obtained from previous pharmacokinetic studies were used. Sex, age, pharmaceutical formulation, and breed were evaluated as covariates. A one-compartment model with an absorption lag-time (Tlag) best described the data. The final model included age (adult; aged) on apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F), apparent elimination rate (ke/F), and Tlag; sex (female; male) on ke/F, and breed (Beagle; mixed-breed) on Vd/F. Addition of the covariates to the model explained 78% of the interindividal variability (IIV) in Vd/F, 36% in ke/F, and 24% in Tlag, respectively. Formulation did not affect the variability of any of the pharmacokinetic parameters. Tlag was longer, whereas Vd/F and ke/F were lower in aged compared to adult animals; in female aged dogs ke/F was lower than in male aged dogs; however, the differences were of low magnitude. Different disposition of cephalexin may be expected in aged dogs.
A Longitudinal Low DoseμCT Analysis of Bone Healing in Mice: A Pilot Study
Authors: Di Lu-Zhao , Couture Vanessa , Leblanc Élisabeth , Alinejad Yasaman , Beaudoin Jean-François , Lecomte Roger , Berthod François , Faucheux Nathalie , Balg Frédéric , Grenier Guillaume
Published: November 2014

Low dose microcomputed tomography (μCT) is a recently matured technique that enables the study of longitudinal bone healing and the testing of experimental treatments for bone repair. This imaging technique has been used for studying craniofacial repair in mice but not in an orthopedic context. This is mainly due to the size of the defects (approximately 1.0 mm) in long bone, which heal rapidly and may thus negatively impact the assessment of the effectiveness of experimental treatments. We developed a longitudinal low doseμCT scan analysis method combined with a new image segmentation and extraction software using Hounsfield unit (HU) scores to quantitatively monitor bone healing in small femoral cortical defects in live mice. We were able to reproducibly quantify bone healing longitudinally over time with three observers. We used high speed intramedullary reaming to prolong healing in order to circumvent the rapid healing typical of small defects. Bone healing prolongation combined withμCT imaging to study small bone defects in live mice thus shows potential as a promising tool for future preclinical research on bone healing.
Influence of Variable Thermal Conductivity on MHD Boundary Layer Slip Flow of Ethylene-Glycol Based Cu Nanofluids over a Stretching Sheet with Convective Boundary Condition
Authors: Bhaskar Reddy N. , Poornima T. , Sreenivasulu P.
Published: November 2014

An analysis is carried out to investigate the influence of variable thermal conductivity and partial velocity slip on hydromagnetic two-dimensional boundary layer flow of a nanofluid with Cu nanoparticles over a stretching sheet with convective boundary condition. Using similarity transformation, the governing boundary layer equations along with the appropriate boundary conditions are transformed to a set of ordinary differential equations. Employing Runge-kutta fourth-order method along with shooting technique, the resultant system of equations is solved. The influence of various pertinent parameters such as nanofluid volume fraction parameter, the magnetic parameter, radiation parameter, thermal conductivity parameter, velocity slip parameter, Biot number, and suction or injection parameter on the velocity of the flow field and heat transfer characteristics is computed numerically and illustrated graphically. The present results are compared with the existing results for the case of regular fluid and found an excellent agreement.
Modafinil Effects on Behavior and Oxidative Damage Parameters in Brain of Wistar Rats
Authors: Ornell Felipe , Valvassori Samira S. , Steckert Amanda V. , Deroza Pedro F. , Resende Wilson R. , Varela Roger B. , Quevedo João
Published: November 2014

The effects of modafinil (MD) on behavioral and oxidative damage to protein and lipid in the brain of rats were evaluated. Wistar rats were given a single administration by gavage of water or MD (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg). Behavioral parameters were evaluated in open-field apparatus 1, 2, and 3 h after drug administration. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl formation were measured in the brain. MD increased locomotor activity at the highest dose 1 and 3 h after administration. MD administration at the dose of 300 mg/kg increased visits to the center of open-field 1 h after administration; however, 3 h after administration, all administered doses of MD increased visits to the open-field center. MD 300 mg/kg increased lipid damage in the amygdala, hippocampus, and striatum. Besides, MD increased protein damage in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus; however, this effect varies depending on the dose administered. In contrast, the administration of MD 75 and 300 mg/kg decreased the protein damage in the striatum. This study demonstrated that the MD administration induces behavioral changes, which was depending on the dose used. In addition, the effects of MD on oxidative damage parameters seemed to be in specific brain region and doses.
High and Interrelated Rates of PD-L1+CD14+ Antigen-Presenting Cells and Regulatory T Cells Mark the Microenvironment of Metastatic Lymph Nodes from Patients with Cervical Cancer
Authors: Heeren A. Marijne , Koster Bas D. , Samuels Sanne , Ferns Debbie M. , Chondronasiou Dafni , Kenter Gemma G. , Jordanova Ekaterina S. , de Gruijl Tanja D.
Published: November 2014

A better understanding of the microenvironment in relation to lymph node metastasis is essential for the development of effective immunotherapeutic strategies against cervical cancer. In the present study, we investigated the microenvironment of tumor-draining lymph nodes of patients with cervical cancer by comprehensive flow cytometry–based phenotyping and enumeration of immune-cell subsets in tumor-negative (LN−, n = 20) versus tumor-positive lymph nodes (LN+, n = 8), and by the study of cytokine release profiles (n = 4 for both LN− and LN+). We found significantly lower CD4+ and higher CD8+ T-cell frequencies in LN+ samples, accompanied by increased surface levels of activation markers (HLA-DR; ICOS; PD-1; CTLA-4) and the memory marker CD45RO. Furthermore, in LN+, we found increased rates of a potentially regulatory antigen-presenting cell (APC) subset (CD11chiCD14+PD-L1+) and of myeloid-derived suppressor cell subsets; the LN+ APC subset correlated with significantly elevated frequencies of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). After in vitro stimulation with different Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands (PGN; Poly-IC; R848), we observed higher production levels of IL6, IL10, and TNFα but lower levels of IFNγ in LN+ samples. We conclude that, despite increased T-cell differentiation and activation, a switch to a profound immune-suppressive microenvironment in LN+ of patients with cervical cancer will enable immune escape. Our data indicate that the CD14+PD-L1+ APC/Treg axis is a particularly attractive and relevant therapeutic target to specifically tackle microenvironmental immune suppression and thus enhances the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with metastasized cervical cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(1); 48–58. ©2014 AACR.
Blowout Fracture after Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Tachibana Eri , Koh Shizuka , Maeda Naoyuki , Nishida Kohji
Published: November 2014

We present the case of an 86-year-old woman who developed a blowout fracture after Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). Sixteen months after DSAEK, she suffered a blow to her left eye caused by a fall. Computed tomography confirmed the presence of a blowout fracture of the inferior wall of the left orbit with soft tissue prolapsing into the orbit. The patient complained of no abnormal symptoms, and her operated cornea was intact and clear. There was no abnormal finding in both the anterior and posterior segments. This case highlights that the DSAEK technique provides adequate tectonic stability of the globe throughout the traumatic event in contrast to penetrating keratoplasty, which can lead to devastating vision damage after trauma.
An integrated genomic-transcriptomic approach supports a role for the proto-oncogene BCL3 in atherosclerosis
Authors: Marchetti Giovanna , Girelli Domenico , Zerbinati Carlotta , Lunghi Barbara , Friso Simonetta , Meneghetti Silvia , Coen Matteo , Gagliano Teresa , Guastella Giuseppe , Bochaton-Piallat Marie-Luce , Pizzolo Francesca , Mascoli Francesco , Malerba Giovanni , Bovolenta Matteo , Ferracin Manuela , Olivieri Oliviero , Bernardi Francesco , Martinelli Nicola
Published: November 2014

association studies of coronary artery disease (CAD), could include functionally relevant associations. We propose an integrated genomic and transcriptomic approach for unravelling new potential genetic signatures of atherosclerosis. Fifteen among 91 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were first selected for association in a sex- and age-adjusted model by examining 510 patients with CAD and myocardial infarction and 388 subjects with normal coronary arteries (CAD-free) in the replication stages of a genome-wide association study. We investigated the expression of 71 genes proximal to the 15 tag-SNPs by two subsequent steps of microarray-based Mrna profiling, the former in vascular smooth muscle cell populations, isolated from non-atherosclerotic and atherosclerotic human carotid portions, and the latter in whole carotid specimens. BCL3 and PVRL2, contiguously located on chromosome 19, and ABCA1, extensively investigated before, were found to be differentially expressed. BCL3 and PVRL2 SNPs were genotyped within a second population of CAD patients (n=442) and compared with CAD-free subjects (n=393). The carriership of the BCL3 rs2965169 G allele was more represented among CAD patients and remained independently associated with CAD after adjustment for all the traditional cardiovascular risk factors (odds ratio=1.70 with 95% confidence interval 1.07–2.71), while the BCL3 rs8100239 A allele correlated with metabolic abnormalities. The upregulation of BCL3 mRNA levels in atherosclerotic tissue samples was consistent with BCL3 protein expression, which was detected by immunostaining in the intima-media of atherosclerotic specimens, but not within non-atherosclerotic ones. Our integrated approach suggests a role for BCL3 in cardiovascular diseases.
Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor LCZ696 Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling and Dysfunction After Myocardial Infarction by Reducing Cardiac Fibrosis and Hypertrophy
Authors: von Lueder Thomas G. , Wang Bing H. , Kompa Andrew R. , Huang Li , Webb Randy , Jordaan Pierre , Atar Dan , Krum Henry
Published: November 2014

Background—

Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNi), beyond blocking angiotensin II signaling, augment natriuretic peptides by inhibiting their breakdown by neprilysin. The myocardial effects of ARNi have been little studied until recently. We hypothesized that LCZ696 attenuates left ventricular (LV) remodeling after experimental myocardial infarction (MI), and that this may be contributed to by inhibition of hypertrophy and fibrosis in cardiac cells.

Methods and Results—

One week after MI, adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized to treatment for 4 weeks with LCZ696 (68 mg/kg body weight perorally; MI-ARNi, n=11) or vehicle (MI-vehicle, n=6). Five weeks after MI, MI-ARNi versus MI-vehicle demonstrated lower LV end-diastolic diameter (by echocardiography; 9.7±0.2 versus 10.5±0.3 mm), higher LV ejection fraction (60±2 versus 47±5%), diastolic wall strain (0.23±0.02 versus 0.13±0.02), and circular strain (−9.8±0.5 versus −7.3±0.5%; all
P
<0.05). LV pressure–volume loops confirmed improved LV function. Despite similar infarct size, MI-ARNi versus MI-vehicle had lower cardiac weights (
P
<0.01) and markedly reduced fibrosis in peri-infarct and remote myocardium. Angiotensin II–stimulated incorporation of 3[H]leucine in cardiac myocytes and 3[H]proline in cardiac fibroblast was used to evaluate hypertrophy and fibrosis, respectively. The neprilysin inhibitor component of LCZ696, LBQ657, inhibited hypertrophy but not fibrosis. The angiotensin receptor blocker component of LCZ696, valsartan inhibited both hypertrophy and fibrosis. Dual valsartan+LBQ augmented the inhibitory effects of valsartan and the highest doses completely abrogated angiotensin II–mediated effects.

Conclusions—

LCZ696 attenuated cardiac remodeling and dysfunction after MI. This may be contributed to by superior inhibition of LCZ696 on cardiac fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy than either stand-alone neprilysin inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker.