bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth Changes in Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Human Patellar Tendon in Vivo
Authors: Kubo Keitaro , Teshima Takanori , Hirose Norikazu , Tsunoda Naoya
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare the morphological and mechanical properties of the human patellar tendon among elementary school children (prepubertal), junior high school students (pubertal), and adults. Twenty-one elementary school children, 18 junior high school students, and 22 adults participated in this study. The maximal strain, stiffness, Young’s modulus, hysteresis, and cross-sectional area of the patellar tendon were measured using ultrasonography. No significant difference was observed in the relative length (to thigh length) or cross-sectional area (to body mass2/3) of the patellar tendon among the three groups. Stiffness and Young’s modulus were significantly lower in elementary school children than in the other groups, while no significant differences were observed between junior high school students and adults. No significant differences were observed in maximal strain or hysteresis among the three groups. These results suggest that the material property (Young’s modulus) of the patellar tendons of elementary school children was lower than that of the other groups, whereas that of junior high school students was already similar to that of adults. In addition, no significant differences were observed in the extensibility (maximal strain) or viscosity (hysteresis) of the patellar tendon among the three groups.
Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults
Authors: Chodzko-Zajko Wojtek J.
Published: March 2014

For more than half a century fellows of the National Academy of Kinesiology have enthusiastically advocated for the promotion and adoption of physically active lifestyles as an affordable and effective means to prevent chronic diseases and conditions, and enhance independence and high quality of life for older adults. It is possible to discern distinct evolutionary stages when examining scholarship related to the role of physical activity in the promotion of healthy aging. Research into physical activity and aging began with critical early studies that established the underlying scientific evidence for a relationship between physical activity and healthy aging. More recent work has addressed such topics as building consumer demand, developing policies and legislation to support active aging, and understanding the complex interrelationships between physical activity and other lifestyle factors in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions. It is increasingly apparent that strategies to promote active and successful aging must be integrated into an effective public policy. Kinesiologists and other health professionals, working in collaboration with colleagues from other disciplines, can help to reduce risk factors for chronic disease and improve quality of life for older adults by building awareness of the importance of physical activity and by assisting with the development and implementation of appropriate and effective interventions that reduce risk factors and improve quality of life.
Large-Amplitude Spin Dynamics Driven by a THz Pulse in Resonance with an Electromagnon
Authors: Kubacka T. , Johnson J. A. , Hoffmann M. C. , Vicario C. , de Jong S. , Beaud P. , Grübel S. , Huang S.-W. , Huber L. , Patthey L. , Chuang Y.-D. , Turner J. J. , Dakovski G. L. , Lee W.-S. , Minitti M. P. , Schlotter W. , Moore R. G. , Hauri C. P. , Koohpayeh S. M. , Scagnoli V. , Ingold G. , Johnson S. L. , Staub U.
Published: March 2014

Ultrafast Manipulation

Multiferroic materials commonly show both magnetism and ferroelectricity, such that the electric field can be used to manipulate the magnetic order, and vice versa.

Kubacka
et al.

(p.
1333
, published online 6 March) used a strong terahertz electromagnetic pulse in resonance with an electromagnon—an excitation based on both electric and magnetic ordering—to control the spin dynamics of the multiferroic TbMnO
3
on a sub-picosecond time scale and induce the rotation of the spin-cycloid plane of the material.
Long-Acting Integrase Inhibitor Protects Macaques from Intrarectal Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Andrews Chasity D. , Spreen William R. , Mohri Hiroshi , Moss Lee , Ford Susan , Gettie Agegnehu , Russell-Lodrigue Kasi , Bohm Rudolf P. , Cheng-Mayer Cecilia , Hong Zhi , Markowitz Martin , Ho David D.
Published: March 2014

Keeping HIV at Bay?

Preexposure prophylaxis involving daily doses of drugs can, with variable success rates, interrupt HIV transmission for individuals at high risk of acquiring HIV infection. However, one reason for the variability seen in the response to such drugs is a lack of adherence to the prescribed regimen.

Andrews
et al.

(p.
1151
) formulated a potent integrase inhibitor as a long-acting agent that protected macaques from repeated intrarectal challenges of simian HIV. Decay of plasma levels of drug were associated with increased susceptibility to infection after virus exposure. The drug levels required for a high degree of protection could potentially be achieved with quarterly injections in humans.
More Common Than We Think

The Dynamics of Disaster
by Susan W. Kieffer

Norton, New York, 2013. 331 pp. $25.95, C$27.50. ISBN 9780393080957.
Authors: Turcotte Donald
Published: March 2014

Kieffer offers an engaging, fast-moving introduction to natural disasters caused by Earth's ongoing geological processes.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecium Strain LCT-EF301, Which Shows Changes in Biochemical Metabolism following Space Flight
Authors: Chen Zhenhong , Li Yinhu , Chang De , An Li , Guo Yinghua , Wang Junfeng , Li Tianzhi , Wang Yajuan , Zhang Xiaojun , Dai Wenkui , Liu Changting
Published: March 2014

An
Enterococcus faecium
strain was sent into space on the Shenzhou-VIII mission. After the space flight, the strain
E. faecium
LCT-EF301 was isolated and sequenced based on the changes to its metabolic properties.
L-Plastin Is Essential for Alveolar Macrophage Production and Control of Pulmonary Pneumococcal Infection
Authors: Deady Lauren E. , Todd Elizabeth M. , Davis Chris G. , Zhou Julie Y. , Topcagic Nermina , Edelson Brian T. , Ferkol Thomas W. , Cooper Megan A. , Muenzer Jared T. , Morley Sharon Celeste
Published: March 2014

We report that mice deficient for the hematopoietic-specific, actin-bundling protein L-plastin (LPL) succumb rapidly to intratracheal pneumococcal infection. The increased susceptibility of LPL
−/−
mice to pulmonary pneumococcal challenge correlated with reduced numbers of alveolar macrophages, consistent with a critical role for this cell type in the immediate response to pneumococcal infection. LPL
−/−
mice demonstrated a very early clearance defect, with an almost 10-fold-higher bacterial burden in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid 3 h following infection. Clearance of pneumococci from the alveolar space in LPL
−/−
mice was defective compared to that in Rag1
−/−
mice, which lack all B and T lymphocytes, indicating that innate immunity is defective in LPL
−/−
mice. We did not identify defects in neutrophil or monocyte recruitment or in the production of inflammatory cytokines or chemokines that would explain the early clearance defect. However, efficient alveolar macrophage regeneration following irradiation required LPL. We thus identify LPL as being key to alveolar macrophage development and essential to an effective antipneumococcal response. Further analysis of LPL
−/−
mice will illuminate critical regulators of the generation of alveolar macrophages and, thus, effective pulmonary innate immunity.
Differential Induction of Apoptosis, Interferon Signaling, and Phagocytosis in Macrophages Infected with a Panel of Attenuated and Nonattenuated Poxviruses
Authors: Royo Sandra , Sainz Bruno , Hernández-Jiménez Enrique , Reyburn Hugh , López-Collazo Eduardo , Guerra Susana
Published: March 2014

Due to the essential role macrophages play in antiviral immunity, it is important to understand the intracellular and molecular processes that occur in macrophages following infection with various strains of vaccinia virus, particularly those used as vaccine vectors. Similarities as well as differences were found in macrophages infected with different poxvirus strains, particularly at the level of virus-induced apoptosis and the expression of immunomodulatory genes, as determined by microarray analyses. Interestingly, the attenuated modified vaccinia Ankara virus (MVA) was particularly efficient in triggering apoptosis and beta interferon (IFN-β) secretion and in inducing changes in the expression of genes associated with increased activation of innate immunity, setting it apart from the other five vaccinia virus strains tested. Taken together, these results increase our understanding of how these viruses interact with human macrophages, at the cellular and molecular levels, and suggest mechanisms that may underlie their utility as recombinant vaccine vectors.

IMPORTANCE
Our studies clearly demonstrate that there are substantial biological differences in the patterns of cellular gene expression between macrophages infected with different poxvirus strains and that these changes are due specifically to infection with the distinct viruses. For example, a clear induction in IFN-β mRNA was observed after infection with MVA but not with other poxviruses. Importantly, antiviral bioassays confirmed that MVA-infected macrophages secreted a high level of biologically active type I IFN. Similarly, the phagocytic capacity of macrophages was also specifically increased after infection with MVA. Although the main scope of this study was not to test the vaccine potential of MVA as there are several groups in the field working extensively on this aspect, the characteristics/phenotypes we observed at the
in vitro
level clearly highlight the inherent advantages that MVA possesses in comparison to other poxvirus strains.
Characterization of a Novel Influenza Virus in Cattle and Swine: Proposal for a New Genus in the
Orthomyxoviridae
Family
Authors: Hause Ben M. , Collin Emily A. , Liu Runxia , Huang Bing , Sheng Zizhang , Lu Wuxun , Wang Dan , Nelson Eric A. , Li Feng
Published: March 2014

We have recently reported the isolation of a novel virus, provisionally designated C/swine/Oklahoma/1334/2011 (C/OK), with 50% overall homology to human influenza C viruses (ICV), from a pig in Oklahoma. Deep RNA sequencing of C/OK virus found a matrix 1 (M1) protein expression strategy that differed from that of ICV. The novelty of C/OK virus prompted us to investigate whether C/OK virus could exist in a nonswine species. Significantly, we found that C/OK virus was widespread in U.S. bovine herds, as demonstrated by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and serological assays. Genome sequencing of three bovine viruses isolated from two herds in different states further confirmed these findings. To determine whether swine/bovine C/OK viruses can undergo reassortment with human ICV, and to clarify the taxonomic status of C/OK,
in vitro
reassortment and serological typing by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) were conducted.
In vitro
reassortment using two human ICV and two swine and bovine C/OK viruses demonstrated that human ICV and C/OK viruses were unable to reassort and produce viable progeny. Antigenically, no cross-recognition of detergent split virions was observed in AGID between human and nonhuman viruses by using polyclonal antibodies that were reactive to cognate antigens. Taken together, these results demonstrate that C/OK virus is genetically and antigenically distinct from ICV. The classification of the new virus in a separate genus of the
Orthomyxoviridae
family is proposed. The finding of C/OK virus in swine and bovine indicates that this new virus may spread and establish infection in other mammals, including humans.

IMPORTANCE
Influenza C viruses (ICV) are common human pathogens, infecting most people during childhood and adolescence, and typically cause mild respiratory symptoms. While ICV have been isolated from both pigs and dogs, humans are thought to be the natural viral reservoir. Previously, we characterized an ICV-like virus isolated from pigs exhibiting symptoms of influenza virus-like illness. Here, we show molecular and serological data demonstrating widespread circulation of similar viruses in bovines. Deep RNA sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and
in vitro
reassortment experiments demonstrate that animal ICV-like viruses are genetically distinct from human ICV. Antigenically, we show that ICV-like viruses are not recognized by ICV antibodies. En masse, these results suggest that bovine influenza virus warrants classification as a new genus of influenza virus. The finding of this novel virus that can infect multiple mammalian species warrants further research into its role in human health.
Use and Misuse of Statistical Significance in Survival Analyses
Authors: Furuya Yoichi , Wijesundara Danushka K. , Neeman Teresa , Metzger Dennis W.
Published: March 2014

In most preclinical disease models, survival analyses are the gold standard for measuring the efficacy of medical interventions such as therapeutics or vaccines. In these analyses, treatment regimens that promote the survival and/or reduce the morbidity of experimental subjects (e.g., mice) are tested for efficacy. Although these analyses appear to be relatively straightforward, there are associated caveats regarding interpretation of the results that we wish to discuss in this editorial. Of particular concern is overinterpretation of the biological significance of survival data based on statistical significance rather than durability of protection.
Have restricted working hours reduced junior doctors’ experience of fatigue? A focus group and telephone interview study
Authors: Morrow Gill , Burford Bryan , Carter Madeline , Illing Jan
Published: March 2014

Objective

To explore the effects of the UK Working Time Regulations (WTR) on trainee doctors’ experience of fatigue.

Design

Qualitative study involving focus groups and telephone interviews, conducted in Spring 2012 with doctors purposively selected from Foundation and specialty training. Final compliance with a 48 h/week limit had been required for trainee doctors since August 2009. Framework analysis of data.

Setting

9 deaneries in all four UK nations; secondary care.

Participants

82 doctors: 53 Foundation trainees and 29 specialty trainees. 36 participants were male and 46 female. Specialty trainees were from a wide range of medical and surgical specialties, and psychiatry.

Results

Implementation of the WTR, while acknowledged as an improvement to the earlier situation of prolonged excessive hours, has not wholly overcome experience of long working hours and fatigue. Fatigue did not only arise from the hours that were scheduled, but also from an unpredictable mixture of shifts, work intensity (which often resulted in educational tasks being taken home) and inadequate rest. Fatigue was also caused by trainees working beyond their scheduled hours, for reasons such as task completion, accessing additional educational opportunities beyond scheduled hours and staffing shortages. There were also organisational, professional and cultural drivers, such as a sense of responsibility to patients and colleagues and the expectations of seniors. Fatigue was perceived to affect efficiency of skills and judgement, mood and learning capacity.

Conclusions

Long-term risks of continued stress and fatigue, for doctors and for the effective delivery of a healthcare service, should not be ignored. Current monitoring processes do not reflect doctors’ true working patterns. The effectiveness of the WTR cannot be considered in isolation from the culture and context of the workplace. On-going attention needs to be paid to broader cultural issues, including the relationship between trainees and seniors.
Nitrate supplementation and high-intensity performance in competitive cyclists
Authors: Hoon Matthew W. , Hopkins William G. , Jones Andrew M. , Martin David T. , Halson Shona L. , West Nicholas P. , Johnson Nathan A. , Burke Louise M.
Published: March 2014

Consumption of inorganic nitrate (NO3−) is known to enhance endurance exercise performance in recreationally trained subjects. Here we report the effect on a high-intensity performance task in national-level cyclists. The performance test consisted of 2 cycle ergometer time trials of 4 min duration with 75 min between trials. In a randomized crossover design, 26 cyclists performed the test under the following 4 conditions (each separated by a 6-day washout): consumption of 70 mL of nitrate-rich beetroot juice at 150 min or 75 min before the first time trial, addition of a 35 mL “top-up dose” following the first time trial in the 150 min condition, and consumption of a placebo. A linear mixed model with adjustments for learning effects and athlete fitness (peak incremental power) was used to estimate effects on mean power, with probabilistic inferences based on a smallest important effect of 1.0%. Peak plasma nitrite (NO2−) concentration was greatest when nitrate was taken 75 min before the first time trial. Relative to placebo, the mean effect of all 3 nitrate treatments was unclear in the first time trial (1.3%, 90% confidence limits: ±1.7%), but possibly harmful in the second time trial (−0.3%, ±1.6%). Differences between nitrate treatments were unclear, as was the estimate of any consistent individual response to the treatments. Allowing for sampling uncertainty, the effect of nitrate on performance was less than previous studies. Under the conditions of our experiment, nitrate supplementation may be ineffective in facilitating high-intensity exercise in competitive athletes.
Experimental investigation on the creep behavior of an unsaturated clay
Authors: Lai X.L. , Wang S.M. , Ye W.M. , Cui Y.J.
Published: March 2014

To better understand the long-term deformation of landslides with consideration of the influence of water content variation, a series of triaxial creep tests with suction control was conducted on clay specimens taken from one large-scale landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir area in China. Results indicate that, in the double-logarithmic coordinates, the axial strain increases linearly and the axial strain-rate decreases linearly with the elapsed time; the axial strain and strain rate increase with increasing deviator stress levels and decreasing matric suction. For theoretical analysis, based on the simulation of the test results by an empirical creep model developed for saturated soils, a linear relationship was established between suction and one of the parameters of the model. Then, a revised model with consideration of suction effects was developed. In the revised model, a power function was adopted for the description of the strain–time relationship and a hyperbolic function was employed for the stress–strain relationship. Verification indicated that the calculated results were in good agreement with the experimental ones.
The neutral complex [CrIII4(μ3-O)2(μ2-CH3CO2)7(tbpy0)(tbpy•)]0 — a tetranuclear Cr(III) species containing a neutral (bpy0) and a π-radical anion (bpy•)1–
Authors: Wang Mei , Bill Eckhard , Weyhermüller Thomas , Wieghardt Karl
Published: March 2014

The tetranuclear neutral species [CrIII4(μ3-O)2(μ2-CH3CO2)7(tbpy0)(tbpy•)]0·3THF has been prepared from a mixture of [CrII2(μ2-CH3CO2)4]·2H2O and 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine (1:2) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) under anaerobic conditions. Black crystals of [CrIII4(μ-O)2(μ-CH3CO2)7(tbpy)2]0 were grown and investigated by X-ray crystallography: a [Cr4O2]8+ butterfly core structure has been identified. In addition, the presence of seven μ2-acetate bridges, a neutral (tbpy0) ligand, and a single π-radical anion (tbpy•)1– have been clearly identified. The magnetic properties have been investigated by solid-state SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) measurements (2–300 K) and a coupling model is presented. Its X-band electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum has been recorded at 10 and 300 K in toluene solution and successfully simulated. The spin of the (tbpy•)1– radical couples strongly antiferromagnetically to one Cr(III) center (J4 = –129 cm−1). These properties are compared with those reported previously for the monocationic species [CrIII4(μ3-O)2(μ2-CH3CO2)7(bpy0)2](PF6) in Bino et al. (Inorg. Chem. 1991, 30, 856).
Influence of immune-relevant genes on mate choice and reproductive success in wild-spawning hatchery-reared and wild-born coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
Authors: Whitcomb Amelia C. , Banks Michael A. , O’Malley Kathleen G.
Published: March 2014

Hatcheries support fisheries and aid in the recovery of endangered wild populations. Evidence for reduced reproductive success (RS) in wild-spawning hatchery-reared salmon compared with that in wild-born fish invites questions about the impact on subsequent generations. Immune gene-dependent mate preference is one mechanism known to influence salmonid fitness. We evaluated mate choice and correlates of RS to better understand fitness differences between hatchery-reared and wild-born fish using a previously constructed genetic pedigree of coho salmon (Onchorhynchus kisutch) from the Umpqua River, Oregon. Two years (2005 and 2006) of three wild-spawning mate pair classes were examined: wild × wild (W × W), hatchery × hatchery (H × H), and wild × hatchery (W × H). We found no evidence for mate choice within mate pair classes based on microsatellites linked to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and immune-relevant expressed sequence tags. Greater W × W mate pair RS was associated with increased MHC diversity in 2005 and 2006, while greater W × H mate pair RS was correlated to intermediate MHC diversity in 2006. We found no correlation between MHC diversity and H × H mate pair RS. Our results suggest that greater MHC diversity between wild-born coho pairs may increase offspring survival.
New models for heat flux splitting at the boundary of a porous medium: three energy equations for nanofluid flow under local thermal nonequilibrium conditions
Authors: Nazari M. , Maghrebi M.J. , Armaghani T. , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: March 2014

One of the challenging points in the simulation of a nanofluid flowing through a porous medium is modeling the surface heat flux in the presence of nanoparticles and internal solid matrix. The question is how much energy is absorbed by the solid phase, fluid phase, and particles at the surface of imposing heat flux? To reach a suitable answer, a local thermal nonequilibrium approach (including three energy equations) is presented in this paper and three heat flux models are proposed for the first time. The proposed models are compared and analyzed. The effects of interstitial heat transfer coefficients on the heat transfer in a porous channel are completely studied. The fluid temperature distributions and heat transfer rate obtained by homogenous and nonhomogenous approaches (for the proposed models) are completely studied and compared. The results show that the nonhomogeneous approach experiences larger Nusselt number than the homogeneous one for all the recommended heat flux models.
Effect of intelligent control strategy on safety-collision region of lane changing
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Chen Lizhu
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we study the vehicular behavior in which a vehicle changes from the first lane to the second lane on a two-lane highway. The incoming vehicle may collide with the adjacent vehicles from the incoming position due to the inappropriate vehicular velocity and headway. An intelligent control strategy with consideration of the information of the incoming vehicle is proposed to reduce the collision of lane changing, and the effectiveness of the new design is verified by drawing the dynamic safety-collision region maps of the simulations. The effects of the strategy's coverage on lane changing collision are also studied with the finding that the expanding of the safety region of lane changing is limited by extending the coverage of the proposed strategy. Furthermore, the strategy is extended to add pre-warning mechanism, and the effects of the pre-warning mechanism on lane changing collision are obtained by drawing the safety-collision region maps. It is concluded that the collision region of the lane changing shrinks with the adding of the pre-warning mechanism. The coverage of the extended strategy is also spread from one vehicle to more vehicles and we get the same result as the strategy without adding the pre-warning mechanism.
QCD phase transition with a power law chameleon scalar field in the bulk
Authors: Golanbari Tayeb , Mohammadi Abolhassan , Saaidi Khaled
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a braneworld model with a perfect fluid on brane and a scalar field on bulk has been used to study quark–hadron phase transition. The bulk scalar field has an interaction with brane matter. This interaction comes into nonconservation relation which describes an energy transfer between bulk and brane. Since quark–hadron transition truly depends on the form of evolution equations, modification of energy conservation equation and Friedmann equation gives rise to some interesting results about the time of transition. The evolution of physical quantities relevant to the quantitative of early times namely energy density ρ, temperature T and scale factor a have been considered utilizing two formalism, crossover formalism and first-order phase transition formalism. The results show that the quark–hadron phase transition occurred about a nanosecond after big bang and the general behavior temperature is similar in both of two formalism.
THE EFFICIENT COMPUTATION OF PRICES AND GREEKS FOR CALLABLE RANGE ACCRUALS USING THE DISPLACED-DIFFUSION LMM
Authors: BEVERIDGE CHRISTOPHER , JOSHI MARK
Published: March 2014

We study the simulation of range accrual coupons when valuing callable range accruals in the displaced-diffusion LIBOR market model (DDLMM). We introduce a number of new improvements that lead to significant efficiency improvements, and explain how to apply the adjoint-improved pathwise method to calculate deltas and vegas under the new improvements, which was not previously possible for callable range accruals. One new improvement is based on using a Brownian-bridge-type approach for simulating the range accrual coupons. We consider a variety of examples, including when the reference rate is a LIBOR rate, when it is a spread between swap rates, and when the multiplier for the range accrual coupon is stochastic.
REVIEW
Authors: Derebail Suchitra , Krishnamurthy Casthri , Boon Ong Hong , Kailin Ang , Isa Nur Amilia Bte M , Jaya Nur Ayuni Bte Hassan , Min Orr Hui
Published: March 2014

Development of Uniform Embryoid Bodies for Differentiation, Using Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells.
Remarks on logarithmic K-stability
Authors: Li Chi
Published: March 2014

We introduce the logarithmic version of K-stability by generalizing Donaldson's algebraic formulation of K-stability.
Burchnall–Chaundy theory, Ore extensions and σ-differential operators
Authors: Larsson Daniel
Published: March 2014

A classical theorem of J. L. Burchnall and T. W. Chaundy shows that two commuting differential operators P and Q give rise, via a differential resultant, to a complex algebraic curve with equation F (x, y) = 0, such that formally inserting P and Q for x and y in F (x, y) , gives identically zero. In addition, the points on this curve have coordinates which are exactly the eigenvalues associated with the operators P and Q (see the Introduction for a more precise statement). In this paper, we prove a generalization of this result using resultants in Ore extensions.
Right-Sided Bochdalek Hernia with Intrathoracic Ectopic Kidney in an Advanced-Age Adult: A Case Report
Authors: Onuk Ö. , Taş T. , Şentürk A.B. , Sinanoğlu O. , Balcı M.B.C. , Çelik O. , Nuhoğlu B.
Published: March 2014

Ectopic intrathoracic kidney is an extremely rare congenital anomaly and it is often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on chest radiography. Although congenital thoracic kidney is mostly seen in infants, it can be diagnosed in neonatal age and adults as well. Herein, we present a 72- year-old woman who had a right-sided Bochdalek hernia with intrathoracic ectopic kidney. In contrast to the usually young patients with thoracic hernia, the presented case was the oldest female patient having thoracic kidney accompanied with Bochdalek hernia with clinical symptoms among those reported in the literature.
Revealing the Underlying Mechanism of Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Using Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Shen Bingbing , Zhou Shan , He Yue , Zhao Hongwen , Mei Mei , Wu Xiongfei
Published: March 2014

Background/Aims: To reveal the potential pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods: GSE9943 were downloaded from Genome Expression Omnibus database, including I/R and control samples for both Brown Norway (BN) and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (3 rats/each group). Then differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by limma package. miRNA-target gene network pairs were predicted using WebGestalt, and protein-protein interactions (PPI) were identified based on STRING database, followed by the networks construction using Cytoscape. Next, ClusterONE was used for modules screening. Furthermore, functional analyses were performed to common DEGs and genes. Results: Totally, 23 common DEGs of BR and SD rats were screened, enriched in functions, such as regulation of cellular protein metabolic process, response to wounding, proteinaceous extracellular matrix, and Enzyme inhibitor activity. MIR-29A, MIR-29B and MIR-29C were discovered both in up- and down-regulated miRNA-target gene networks. Genes in the PPI network were significantly disturbed in p53 signaling, complement and coagulation cascades pathway. Four modules were found significantly disturbed cytochrome P450, Serine/threonine protein kinase, calcium binding and Transient receptor potential channel protein domains. Conclusion: During I/R injury, many genes mutated, interrupting several biological functions, pathways and protein domains. MIR-29C and TRPC6 were suggested to be potential novel targets for this disease.
One Shot Tract Dilation for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Is It Safe and Effective in Preschool Children?
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Reza , Mohseni Mohammad Ghasem , Alizadeh Farshid
Published: March 2014

Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of percutaneous tract dilation by the one-stage method in preschool children. Methods: Between April 2009 and February 2013, all preschool (<6 years) children who were candidates for percutaneous nephrolithotomy were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were randomly assigned to dilation by serial metallic dilators (group I, 31 patients) or dilation by one-stage Amplatz according to Frattini et al. [J Endourol 2001;15:919-923] (group II, 31 patients). The primary endpoint of interest was fluoroscopy time. Secondary endpoints included tract creation and dilation time, success rate and complications. Stone-free status was defined as residuals ≤3 mm. Results: Age, stone size, operation success and operation time were not significantly different between the studied groups. The most common stone composition was calcium oxalate in both groups. The mean ± standard deviation of access and fluoroscopy times in groups I and II were 7.3 ± 1.2 min vs. 5.9 ± 1.5 min (p > 0.05) and 70.0 ± 8.9 s vs. 22.0 ± 5.6 s (p < 0.001), respectively. Postoperative complications included one case of postoperative fever lasting less than 48 h in group I. Conclusions: Percutaneous tract dilation by the one-stage method is safe and effective. Also, it is associated with considerably less radiation exposure in preschool children.
Dietary Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children
Authors: Kagalwalla Amir F.
Published: March 2014

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the esophagus that, in a genetically susceptible host, is triggered by a food antigen. Emerging evidence supports impaired epithelia barrier function as the key initial event in the development of EoE and other allergic diseases. Symptom resolution, histologic remission, and prevention of both disease and treatment-related complications are the goals of treatment. Successful dietary treatments include elemental and elimination diets, both empiric and allergy test directed. These treatments are dietary approaches to inducing clinical and histologic remission. Dietary therapy with an exclusive elemental diet offers the best response with a remission rate of more than 96%. Empiric elimination diets and allergy-directed diets offer similar response with remission induced in 3 of 4 subjects (75%). Cow's milk, wheat, egg and soy are the four common food antigens most likely to induce esophageal inflammation.
5-HT7 Receptors and Tryptophan Hydroxylase in Lymphocytes of Rats: Mitogen Activation, Physical Restraint or Treatment with Reserpine
Authors: Urbina Mary , Arroyo Rubén , Lima Lucimey
Published: March 2014

Objectives: Serotonin (5-HT)7 receptors in lymphocytes play a relevant role as modulators of T cell functions and might be modified by stress protocols. The aims of this work were to evaluate: (i) the presence of 5-HT7 receptors in specific lymphocyte populations, (ii) the probable modifications of them by inflammatory stress with mitogen and (iii) the effects of physical and pharmacological stress. Methods: Blood lymphocytes were isolated by density gradients and differential adhesion to plastic. Concanavalin A (Con A) was systemically administered (500 μg/kg) or added to lymphocyte cultures (2.5 μg/ml, final volume 200 μl). Physical restraint was performed in Plexiglass boxes for 5 h per day for 5 days. Reserpine administration was 2.5 mg/kg for 3 days. Immunocytochemical labeling of CD4+, CD8+ and 5-HT7 receptors, and also tryptophan hydroxylase cells was performed. mRNA of 5-HT7 receptors was evaluated by RT-PCR. Controls were included for each protocol. Results: Con A treatment or culture exposure increased the number of lymphocytes expressing 5-HT7 receptors or tryptophan hydroxylase, as compared to absence of the mitogen. Receptors were present in 12-16% of total rat lymphocytes, in ∼10% of CD4+ and in ∼5% of CD8+ cells from control rats. CD4+ decreased, and CD8+ and 5-HT7 cells increased after physical restraint. Reserpine treatment elevated CD8+ and 5-HT7 cells. Con A and physical restraint, but not reserpine treatment, significantly augmented 5-HT7 receptor mRNA in lymphocytes. Conclusions: Rat lymphocytes, expressing tryptophan hydroxylase, could synthesize 5-HT, functioning as a direct autocrine modulator. The modifications of CD4+, CD8+ and 5-HT7 receptors in lymphocytes by three stress protocols could have an impact on immune responses. In addition, the differential distribution of 5-HT7 receptors indicates potential specific physiopathological roles.
Neuroprotective Effects of Autophagy Induced by Rapamycin in Rat Acute Spinal Cord Injury Model
Authors: Wang Zhen-Yu , Liu Wen-Ge , Muharram Akram , Wu Zhao-Yan , Lin Jian-Hua
Published: March 2014

Background/Aims: To explore the effects of rapamycin-induced autophagy on apoptosis in a rat model of acute spinal cord injury (SCI), and to explore the effect of rapamycin on apoptosis in primary spinal cord cell culture. Methods: SCI was induced at T10 in female adult Sprague-Dawley rats. After injury was induced, the rats were injected with rapamycin and/or methylprednisolone and were sacrificed at various days after injury. Apoptosis and autophagy were examined with TUNEL staining and electron microscopy. Hind limb function was assessed by the Gale scale. Results: The expression of the apoptosis-related protein caspase-3 did not significantly increase until 21 days following injury, while increases in LC3II and LC3I began 10 days after injury, but then declined. TUNEL staining and electron microscopy confirmed that following injury autophagy occurred before apoptosis, but by 14 days after the injury, the level of autophagy had decreased significantly while the level of apoptosis showed a continued increase. Following treatment with rapamycin, apoptosis was significantly higher than in the vehicle control group, but significantly lower than in the sham-operated group, showing a protective effect of rapamycin. Gale scale grades in rats treated with rapamycin were significantly higher compared with the vehicle control group, suggesting a functional effect of rapamycin-induced inhibition of apoptosis. Conclusions: The results indicate that rapamycin significantly improved the prognosis of acute SCI in rats by inhibiting cell apoptosis. Rapamycin might be useful as a therapeutic agent for acute SCI.
Developmental and Adult GAP-43 Deficiency in Mice Dynamically Alters Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Mossy Fiber Volume
Authors: Latchney Sarah E. , Masiulis Irene , Zaccaria Kimberly J. , Lagace Diane C. , Powell Craig M. , McCasland James S. , Eisch Amelia J.
Published: March 2014

Growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) is a presynaptic protein that plays key roles in axonal growth and guidance and in modulating synapse formation. Previous work has demonstrated that mice lacking one allele of this gene (GAP-43+/- mice) exhibit hippocampal structural abnormalities, impaired spatial learning and stress-induced behavioral withdrawal and anxiety, behaviors that are dependent on proper hippocampal circuitry and function. Given the correlation between hippocampal function, synaptic connectivity and neurogenesis, we tested if behaviorally naïve GAP-43+/- mice had alterations in either neurogenesis or synaptic connectivity in the hippocampus during early postnatal development and young adulthood, and following behavior testing in older adults. To test our hypothesis, we examined hippocampal cell proliferation (Ki67), number of immature neuroblasts (doublecortin, DCX) and mossy fiber volume (synaptoporin) in behaviorally naïve postnatal day 9 (P9) and P26, and behaviorally experienced 5- to 7-month-old GAP-43+/- and +/+ littermate mice. P9 GAP-43+/- mice had fewer Ki67+ and DCX+ cells compared to +/+ mice, particularly in the posterior dentate gyrus, and smaller mossy fiber volume in the same region. In young adulthood, however, male GAP-43+/- mice had more Ki67+ and DCX+ cells and greater mossy fiber volume in the posterior dentate gyrus relative to male +/+ mice. These increases were not seen in females. In 5- to 7-month-old GAP-43+/- mice (whose behaviors were the focus of our prior publication), there was no global change in the number of proliferating or immature neurons relative to +/+ mice. However, more detailed analysis revealed fewer proliferative DCX+ cells in the anterior dentate gyrus of male GAP-43+/- mice compared to male +/+ mice. This reduction was not observed in females. These results suggest that young GAP-43+/- mice have decreased hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic connectivity, but slightly older mice have greater hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic connectivity. In conjunction with our previous study, these findings suggest that GAP-43 is dynamically involved in early postnatal and adult hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic connectivity, possibly contributing to the GAP-43+/- behavioral phenotype.
Apraxia in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: Validity and Reliability of the Van Heugten Test for Apraxia
Authors: Smits Lieke L. , Flapper Marinke , Sistermans Nicole , Pijnenburg Yolande A.L. , Scheltens Philip , van der Flier Wiesje M.
Published: March 2014

Aim: To assess the reliability and validity of the Van Heugten test for apraxia (VHA), developed for and used in stroke patients, in a memory clinic population. Furthermore, we assess the presence and severity of apraxia in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and investigate which AD patients are likely to develop apraxia. Methods: We included 90 controls (age: 60 ± 9 years, MMSE: 28 ± 2), 90 MCI patients (age: 65 ± 7 years, MMSE: 26 ± 2) and 158 AD patients (age: 66 ± 8 years, MMSE: 20 ± 5). Apraxia was evaluated by the VHA assessing ideational and ideomotor praxis. We retested 20 patients to assess reliability. Results: Intrarater reliability was 0.88 and interrater reliability was 0.73. AD patients performed worse on the VHA (median: 88; range: 51-90) than controls (median: 90; range: 88-90) and MCI patients (median: 89; range: 84-90) (both p < 0.001). Apraxia was prevalent in 35% of AD patients, in 10% of MCI and it was not observed in controls (0%; p < 0.001). In AD, dementia severity was the main risk for apraxia; 15% of mildly versus 52% of moderately demented patients had apraxia (OR = 6.7, 95% CI 2.9-15.6). The second risk factor was APOE genotype. APOE ε4 noncarriers (47%) were at increased risk compared to carriers (30%) (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1-4.7). Conclusion: Apraxia can be reliably measured with the VHA and is present in a proportion of patients with MCI and AD. The presence of apraxia in AD is related to dementia severity and APOE ε4.
Reproductive Performance after Surgery for Endometriosis: Predictive Value of the Revised American Fertility Society Classification and the Endometriosis Fertility Index
Authors: Zeng Cheng , Xu Jia-ning , Zhou Yan , Zhou Ying-fang , Zhu Sai-nan , Xue Qing
Published: March 2014

Background/Aims: To determine whether the revised American Fertility Society (rAFS) classification and endometriosis fertility index (EFI) predict pregnancy rates (PRs) in patients with surgically confirmed endometriosis attempting natural conception. Methods: We retrospectively assessed 194 women with endometriosis who underwent laparoscopic surgery; 161 women completed the follow-up. Pregnancy outcomes, rAFS stages and EFI scores were documented. Cumulative PRs were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: The cumulative PR 36 months after surgery was 46.6% (stage I, 53.6%; stage II, 36.0%; stage III, 51.7%, and stage IV, 41.7%; log-rank test, χ2 = 4.143, p = 0.246). In the 1st year, PRs significantly differed between patients with rAFS stage IV and those with stages I-III (Pearson's χ2 test, χ2 = 6.024, p = 0.014). Significant differences in cumulative PRs were observed among EFI scores (group 1, EFI score 0-3, 8.3%; group 2, EFI score 4-7 41.2%, and group 3, EFI score 8-10 60.9%; log-rank test, χ2 = 16.254, p < 0.001). Conclusions: EFI scores, but not rAFS stage, predict PRs in patients with endometriosis-associated infertility. EFI scores may be used to guide postoperative treatment.
Calcification of the Aortic Arch Predicts Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Lee Chien-Te , Huang Chiang-Chi , Hsu Chung-Yao , Chiou Terry Ting-Yu , Ng Hwee-Yeong , Wu Chien-Hsing , Kuo Wei-Hung , Lee Yueh-Ting
Published: March 2014

Background: Cardiovascular calcification represents a marker of cardiovascular risk in chronic dialysis patients. In the general population, aortic arch calcification (AAC) can predict cardiovascular mortality. We conducted a prospective study to investigate factors associated with AAC in hemodialysis patients and examined its prognostic value in long-term outcome. Methods: A total of 712 hemodialysis patients were enrolled. AAC was identified on postero-anterior chest X-ray films and classified as grade (Gr.) 0, 1, 2 or 3. Demographic data including age, gender, dialysis vintage, co-morbidity and biochemical data were reviewed and recorded. The patients were followed for 10 years. Results: AAC was present in 164 patients (23%) as Gr. 1, in 116 patients (16.3%) as Gr. 2 and in 126 patients (17.7%) as Gr. 3. An increase in the severity of calcification was associated with older patients who had lower albumin, higher calcium and glucose levels. During the follow-up period of 10 years, we found that the grade of AAC was directly related to cardiovascular mortality (Gr. 0: 5.3%; Gr. 1: 12.7%; Gr. 2: 18.9%, and Gr. 3: 24.4%; p < 0.05) and all-cause mortality (Gr. 0: 19.9%; Gr. 1: 31.1%; Gr. 2: 44.8%, and Gr. 3: 53.2%; p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that high-grade calcification was associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Patients with AAC were associated with a worse outcome in survival analysis. The severity of AAC also influenced their survival. Conclusion: Calcification of the aortic arch detected in plain chest radiography was an important determinant of cardiovascular as well as all-cause mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients. The presence and severity of AAC predicted long-term survival.
The Expansion of RPE Atrophy after the Inverted ILM Flap Technique for a Chronic Large Macular Hole
Authors: Imai Hisanori , Azumi Atsushi
Published: March 2014

Purpose: To report a case of the expansion of submacular retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy after using the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique for a persisting, large, stage IV macular hole (MH). Case Report: A 79-year-old woman presented with a chronic large MH that remained open despite pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). The surgery was performed twice for the MH closure 14 years earlier. ILM peeling was not performed during the previous surgeries. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with the Landolt ring chart was 0.08 at her visit. The minimum MH diameter was 1,240 μm. Inverted ILM flap technique with 20% SF6 gas tamponade was performed for the MH closure. For the inverted ILM flap technique, 25-gauge PPV and ILM staining with indocyanine green were used. The ILM was peeled off for 2 disc diameters around the MH, but the ILM was not removed completely. The ILM was then inverted and covered the MH. Results: One month after surgery, the MH was closed, accompanied by glial cell proliferation spreading from the inverted ILM flap (as reported before). On the other hand, the area of the submacular RPE atrophy, which was already observed 1 week after surgery, gradually increased in size. BCVA improved to 0.3 six months after the surgery. Conclusions: The inverted ILM flap technique may be promising even for persisting large MH which were not closed in previous surgeries, but long-term observation is needed because the detailed behavior of the inverted ILM and the Müller cells after surgery is not yet known.
Pericardial Fat is Associated With Atrial Conduction: The Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Friedman Daniel J. , Wang Na , Meigs James B. , Hoffmann Udo , Massaro Joseph M. , Fox Caroline S. , Magnani Jared W.
Published: March 2014

Background

Obesity is associated with altered atrial electrophysiology and a prominent risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Body mass index, the most widely used adiposity measure, has been related to atrial electrical remodeling. We tested the hypothesis that pericardial fat is independently associated with electrocardiographic measures of atrial conduction.

Methods and Results

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of 1946 Framingham Heart Study participants (45% women) to determine the relation between pericardial fat and atrial conduction as measured by P wave indices (
PWI
):
PR
interval, P wave duration (P‐duration), P wave amplitude (P‐amplitude), P wave area (P‐area), and P wave terminal force (P‐terminal). We performed sex‐stratified linear regression analyses adjusted for relevant clinical variables and ectopic fat depots. Each 1‐
SD
increase in pericardial fat was significantly associated with
PR
interval (β=1.7 ms,
P
=0.049), P‐duration (β=2.3 ms,
P
<0.001), and P‐terminal (β=297 μV·ms,
P
<0.001) among women; and P‐duration (β=1.2 ms,
P
=0.002), P‐amplitude (β=−2.5 μV,
P
<0. 001), and P‐terminal (β=160 μV·ms,
P
=0.002) among men. Among both sexes, pericardial fat was significantly associated with P‐duration in analyses additionally adjusting for visceral fat or intrathoracic fat; a similar but non‐significant trend existed with P‐terminal. Among women, pericardial fat was significantly associated with P wave area after adjustment for visceral and intrathoracic fat.

Conclusions

Pericardial fat is associated with atrial conduction as quantified by
PWI
, even with adjustment for extracardiac fat depots. Further studies are warranted to identify the mechanisms through which pericardial fat may modify atrial electrophysiology and promote subsequent risk for arrhythmogenesis.