bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated 20-HETE impairs coronary collateral growth in metabolic syndrome via endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Joseph Gregory , Soler Amanda , Hutcheson Rebecca , Hunter Ian , Bradford Chastity , Hutcheson Brenda , Gotlinger Katherine H. , Jiang Houli , Falck John R. , Proctor Spencer , Schwartzman Michal Laniado , Rocic Petra
Published: December 2016

Coronary collateral growth (CCG) is impaired in metabolic syndrome (MetS). microRNA-145 (miR-145-Adv) delivery to our rat model of MetS (JCR) completely restored and neutrophil depletion significantly improved CCG. We determined whether low endogenous levels of miR-145 in MetS allowed for elevated production of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), which, in turn, resulted in excessive neutrophil accumulation and endothelial dysfunction leading to impaired CCG. Rats underwent 0–9 days of repetitive ischemia (RI). RI-induced cardiac CYP4F (neutrophil-specific 20-HETE synthase) expression and 20-HETE levels were increased (4-fold) in JCR vs. normal rats. miR-145-Adv and 20-HETE antagonists abolished and neutrophil depletion (blocking antibodies) reduced (~60%) RI-induced increases in CYP4F expression and 20-HETE production in JCR rats. Impaired CCG in JCR rats (collateral-dependent blood flow using microspheres) was completely restored by 20-HETE antagonists [collateral-dependent zone (CZ)/normal zone (NZ) flow ratio was 0.76 ± 0.07 in JCR + 20-SOLA, 0.84 ± 0.05 in JCR + 20-HEDGE vs. 0.11 ± 0.02 in JCR vs. 0.84 ± 0.03 in normal rats]. In JCR rats, elevated 20-HETE was associated with excessive expression of endothelial adhesion molecules and neutrophil infiltration, which were reversed by miR-145-Adv. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation of coronary arteries, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) Ser1179 phosphorylation, eNOS-dependent NO·− production and endothelial cell survival were compromised in JCR rats. These parameters of endothelial dysfunction were completely reversed by 20-HETE antagonism or miR-145-Adv delivery, whereas neutrophil depletion resulted in partial reversal (~70%). We conclude that low miR-145 in MetS allows for increased 20-HETE, mainly from neutrophils, which compromises endothelial cell survival and function leading to impaired CCG. 20-HETE antagonists could provide viable therapy for restoration of CCG in MetS.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Elevated 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) impairs coronary collateral growth (CCG) in metabolic syndrome by eliciting endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis via excessive neutrophil infiltration. 20-HETE antagonists completely restore coronary collateral growth in metabolic syndrome. microRNA-145 (miR-145) is an upstream regulator of 20-HETE production in metabolic syndrome; low expression of miR-145 in metabolic syndrome promotes elevated production of 20-HETE.
Cardiac sympathetic innervation via middle cervical and stellate ganglia and antiarrhythmic mechanism of bilateral stellectomy
Authors: Irie Tadanobu , Yamakawa Kentaro , Hamon David , Nakamura Keijiro , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Vaseghi Marmar
Published: December 2016

Cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) is reported to reduce the burden of ventricular tachyarrhythmias [ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF)] in cardiomyopathy patients, but the mechanisms behind this benefit are unknown. In addition, the relative contribution to cardiac innervation of the middle cervical ganglion (MCG), which may contain cardiac neurons and is not removed during this procedure, is unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare sympathetic innervation of the heart via the MCG vs. stellate ganglia, assess effects of bilateral CSD on cardiac function and VT/VF, and determine changes in cardiac sympathetic innervation after CSD to elucidate mechanisms of benefit in 6 normal and 18 infarcted pigs. Electrophysiological and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated at baseline, during bilateral stellate stimulation, and during bilateral MCG stimulation in 6 normal and 12 infarcted animals. Bilateral CSD (removal of bilateral stellates and T2 ganglia) was then performed and MCG stimulation repeated. In addition, in 18 infarcted animals VT/VF inducibility was assessed before and after CSD. In infarcted hearts, MCG stimulation resulted in greater chronotropic and inotropic response than stellate ganglion stimulation. Bilateral CSD acutely reduced VT/VF inducibility by 50% in infarcted hearts and prolonged global activation recovery interval. CSD mitigated effects of MCG stimulation on dispersion of repolarization and T-peak to T-end interval in infarcted hearts, without causing hemodynamic compromise. These data demonstrate that the MCG provides significant cardiac sympathetic innervation before CSD and adequate sympathetic innervation after CSD, maintaining hemodynamic stability. Bilateral CSD reduces VT/VF inducibility by improving electrical stability in infarcted hearts in the setting of sympathetic activation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sympathetic activation in myocardial infarction leads to arrhythmias and worsens heart failure. Bilateral cardiac sympathetic denervation reduces ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation inducibility and mitigates effects of sympathetic activation on dispersion of repolarization and T-peak to T-end interval in infarcted hearts. Hemodynamic stability is maintained, as innervation via the middle cervical ganglion is not interrupted.

Listen to this article's corresponding podcast at https://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/anti-arrhythmic-mechanism-of-bilateral-stellectomy/ .
Mycophenolate mofetil prevents cerebrovascular injury in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Dhande Isha S. , Zhu Yaming , Braun Michael C. , Hicks M. John , Wenderfer Scott E. , Doris Peter A.
Published: December 2016

Stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-A3) develop strokes and progressive kidney disease as a result of naturally occurring genetic variations. We recently identified genetic variants in immune signaling pathways that contribute to end-organ injury. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that a dysregulated immune response promotes stroke susceptibility. We salt-loaded 20 wk old male SHR-A3 rats and treated them with the immunosuppressant mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, 25 mg/kg/day po) ( n = 8) or vehicle (saline) ( n = 9) for 8 wk. Blood pressure (BP) was measured weekly by telemetry. Compared with vehicle-treated controls, MMF-treated SHR-A3 rats had improved survival and lower neurological deficit scores (1.44 vs. 0.125; P < 0.02). Gross morphology of the brain revealed cerebral edema in 8 of 9, and microbleeds and hemorrhages in 5 of 9 vehicle-treated rats. These lesions were absent in MMF-treated rats. Brain CD68 expression, indicating macrophage/microglial activation, was upregulated in vehicle-treated rats with microbleeds and hemorrhages but was undetectable in the brains of MMF-treated rats. MMF also prevented renal injury in SHR-A3 rats, evidenced by reduced proteinuria (albumin:creatinine) from 7.52 to 1.05 mg/mg ( P < 0.03) and lower tubulointerstitial injury scores (2.46 vs. 1.43; P < 0.01). Salt loading resulted in a progressive increase in BP, which was blunted in rats receiving MMF. Our findings provide evidence that abnormal immune activation predisposes to cerebrovascular and renal injury in stroke-prone SHR-A3 rats.
Voltage-Dependent Inactivation of MscS Occurs Independently of the Positively Charged Residues in the Transmembrane Domain
Authors: Nomura Takeshi , Sokabe Masahiro , Yoshimura Kenjiro
Published: December 2016

MscS (mechanosensitive channel of small conductance) is ubiquitously found among bacteria and plays a major role in avoiding cell lysis upon rapid osmotic downshock. The gating of MscS is modulated by voltage, but little is known about how MscS senses membrane potential. Three arginine residues (Arg-46, Arg-54, and Arg-74) in the transmembrane (TM) domain are possible to respond to voltage judging from the MscS structure. To examine whether these residues are involved in the voltage dependence of MscS, we neutralized the charge of each residue by substituting with asparagine (R46N, R54N, and R74N). Mechanical threshold for the opening of the expressed wild-type MscS and asparagine mutants did not change with voltage in the range from-40 to +100 mV. By contrast, inactivation process of wild-type MscS was strongly affected by voltage. The wild-type MscS inactivated at +60 to +80 mV but not at-60 to +40 mV. The voltage dependence of the inactivation rate of all mutants tested, that is, R46N, R54N, R74N, and R46N/R74N MscS, was almost indistinguishable from that of the wild-type MscS. These findings indicate that the voltage dependence of the inactivation occurs independently of the positive charges of R46, R54, and R74.
Detection of QTLs for Yield Heterosis in Rice Using a RIL Population and Its Testcross Population
Authors: Zhu Yu-Jun , Huang De-Run , Fan Ye-Yang , Zhang Zhen-Hua , Ying Jie-Zheng , Zhuang Jie-Yun
Published: December 2016

Analysis of the genetic basis of yield heterosis in rice was conducted by quantitative trait locus mapping using a set of 204 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), its testcross population, and mid-parent heterosis dataset (HMP). A total of 39 QTLs for six yield traits were detected, of which three were detected in all the datasets, ten were common to the RIL and testcross populations, six were common to the testcross andHMP, and 17, 2, and 1 were detected for RILs, testcrosses, andHMP, respectively. When a QTL was detected in both the RIL and testcross populations, the difference between TQ and IR24 and that between Zh9A/TQ and Zh9A/IR24 were always in the same direction, providing the potential to increase the yield of hybrids by increasing the yield of parental lines. Genetic action mode of the 39 QTLs was inferred by comparing their performances in RILs, testcrosses, andHMP. The genetic modes were additive for 17 QTLs, dominance for 12 QTLs, and overdominance for 10 QTLs. These results suggest that dominance and overdominance are the most important contributor to yield heterosis in rice, in which the accumulative effects of yield components play an important role.
Assessing the Contribution of the Oscillatory Potentials to the Genesis of the Photopic ERG with the Discrete Wavelet Transform
Authors: Gauvin Mathieu , Dorfman Allison L. , Trang Nataly , Gauthier Mercedes , Little John M. , Lina Jean-Marc , Lachapelle Pierre
Published: December 2016

The electroretinogram (ERG) is composed of slow (i.e., a-, b-waves) and fast (i.e., oscillatory potentials: OPs) components. OPs have been shown to be preferably affected in some diseases (such as diabetic retinopathy), while the a- and b-waves remain relatively intact. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of OPs to the building of the ERG and to examine whether a signal mostly composed of OPs could also exist. DWT analyses were performed on photopic ERGs (flash intensities: −2.23 to 2.64 log cd·s·m−2in 21 steps) obtained from normal subjects (n=40) and patients (n=21) affected with a retinopathy. In controls, the %OP value (i.e., OPs energy/ERG energy) is stimulus- and amplitude-independent (range: 56.6–61.6%; CV = 6.3%). In contrast, the %OPs measured from the ERGs of our patients varied significantly more (range: 35.4%–89.2%;p<0.05) depending on the pathology, some presenting with ERGs that are almost solely composed of OPs. In conclusion, patients may present with a wide range of %OP values. Findings herein also support the hypothesis that, in certain conditions, the photopic ERG can be mostly composed of high-frequency components.
Naturally Occurring Nrf2 Activators: Potential in Treatment of Liver Injury
Authors: Jadeja Ravirajsinh N. , Upadhyay Kapil K. , Devkar Ranjitsinh V. , Khurana Sandeep
Published: December 2016

Oxidative stress plays a major role in acute and chronic liver injury. In hepatocytes, oxidative stress frequently triggers antioxidant response by activating nuclear erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor, which upregulates various cytoprotective genes. Thus, Nrf2 is considered a potential therapeutic target to halt liver injury. Several studies indicate that activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway ameliorates liver injury. The hepatoprotective potential of naturally occurring compounds has been investigated in various models of liver injuries. In this review, we comprehensively appraise various phytochemicals that have been assessed for their potential to halt acute and chronic liver injury by enhancing the activation of Nrf2 and have the potential for use in humans.
Albumin Binding Function: The Potential Earliest Indicator for Liver Function Damage
Authors: Ge Penglei , Yang Huayu , Lu Jingfen , Liao Wenjun , Du Shunda , Xu Yingli , Xu Haifeng , Zhao Haitao , Lu Xin , Sang Xinting , Zhong Shouxian , Huang Jiefu , Mao Yilei
Published: December 2016

Background. Currently there is no indicator that can evaluate actual liver lesion for early stages of viral hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cirrhosis. Aim of this study was to investigate if albumin binding function could better reflect liver function in these liver diseases.Methods. An observational study was performed on 193 patients with early NAFLD, viral hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis patients were separated according to Child-Pugh score into A, B, and C subgroup. Albumin metal ion binding capacity (Ischemia-modified albumin transformed, IMAT) and fatty acid binding capacity (total binding sites, TBS) were detected.Results. Both IMAT and TBS were significantly decreased in patients with NAFLD and early hepatitis. In hepatitis group, they declined prior to changes of liver enzymes. IMAT was significantly higher in cirrhosis Child-Pugh class A group than hepatitis patients and decreased in Child-Pugh class B and class C patients. Both IMAT/albumin and TBS/albumin decreased significantly in hepatitis and NAFLD group patients.Conclusions. This is the first study to discover changes of albumin metal ion and fatty acid binding capacities prior to conventional biomarkers for liver damage in early stage of liver diseases. They may become potential earliest sensitive indicators for liver function evaluation.
Dalbergioidin Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Renal Fibrosis by Suppressing the TGF-βSignal Pathway
Authors: Ren Xianguo , Bo Yun , Fan Junting , Chen Maosheng , Xu Daliang , Dong Yang , He Haowei , Ren Xianzhi , Qu Rong , Jin Yulian , Zhao Weihong , Xu Changliang
Published: December 2016

We investigated the effect of Dalbergioidin (DAL), a well-known natural product extracted fromUraria crinita, on doxorubicin- (DXR-) induced renal fibrosis in mice. The mice were pretreated for 7 days with DAL followed by a single injection of DXR (10 mg/kg) via the tail vein. Renal function was analyzed 5 weeks after DXR treatment. DXR caused nephrotoxicity. The symptoms of nephrotic syndrome were greatly improved after DAL treatment. The indices of renal fibrosis, the phosphorylation of Smad3, and the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, collagen III (Col III), E-cadherin, TGF-β, and Smad7 in response to DXR were all similarly modified by DAL. The present findings suggest that DAL improved the markers for kidney damage investigated in this model of DXR-induced experimental nephrotoxicity.
High Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Synthesized SnO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Wanninayake W. M. N. M. B. , Premaratne K. , Rajapakse R. M. G.
Published: December 2016

In this study, SnO2 semiconductor nanoparticles were synthesized for DSC applications via acid route using tin(ii) chloride as a starting material and hydrothermal method through the use of tin(iv) chloride. Powder X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the formation of the rutile phase of SnO2 with nanoranged particle sizes. A quasi-solid-state electrolyte was employed instead of a conventional liquid electrolyte in order to overcome the practical limitations such as electrolyte leakage, solvent evaporation, and sealing imperfections associated with liquid electrolytes. The gel electrolytes were prepared incorporating lithium iodide (LiI) and tetrapropylammonium iodide (Pr4N+I−) salts, separately, into the mixture which contains polyacrylonitrile as a polymer, propylene carbonate and ethylene carbonate as plasticizers, iodide/triiodide as the redox couple, acetonitrile as the solvent, and 4-tertiary butylpyridine as an electrolyte additive. In order to overcome the recombination problem associated with the SnO2 due to its higher electron mobility, ultrathin layer of CaCO3 coating was used to cover the surface recombination sites of SnO2 nanoparticles. Maximum energy conversion efficiency of 5.04% is obtained for the device containing gel electrolyte incorporating LiI as the salt. For the same gel electrolyte, the ionic conductivity and the diffusion coefficient of the triiodide ions are 4.70 × 10−3 S cm−1 and 4.31 × 10−7 cm2 s−1, respectively.
Unusual Presentation of Tuberculous Thyroid Abscess in a Background of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in a Chronic Hepatitis B Carrier
Authors: Chinnakkulam Kandhasamy Sakthivel , Kumar Sunil , Sangwan Anubhav , Sahani Neelam , Gunasekaran Gopalakrishnan , Kumar Meena Sunil , Singh Kushwaha Swapnil
Published: December 2016

Tuberculosis of thyroid gland is a very rare disease. It has variable presentations and may be sometimes associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. We report a case of 45-year-old male, with left sided painless neck swelling, with a purulent discharging sinus over it associated with night sweats and loss of appetite. Thyroid imaging disclosed heterogeneous enhancement of left lobe of thyroid gland with internal vascularity and coarse calcifications. Core needle biopsy revealed caseous necrosis and AFB positivity. Patient had thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroglobulin antibody positivity and the rest of thyroid function tests were normal. Patient had positive Mantoux test, hepatitis B surface Ag, and low viral DNA. The patient was diagnosed as being a case of tuberculous abscess of thyroid gland and was put on antitubercular therapy for 2 months. Patient subsequently underwent left hemithyroidectomy when there was no response. Histopathological examination revealed tuberculosis of thyroid gland. A final diagnosis of tuberculous abscess of thyroid gland in a background of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in a chronic HBV carrier was made. Therefore, although rare tuberculosis of thyroid should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis of thyroid swelling.
Expression Profile of Long Noncoding RNAs in Human Earlobe Keloids: A Microarray Analysis
Authors: Guo Liang , Xu Kai , Yan Hongbo , Feng Haifeng , Chai Linlin , Xu Guozheng
Published: December 2016

Background. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in a wide range of biological processes and their deregulation results in human disease, including keloids. Earlobe keloid is a type of pathological skin scar, and the molecular pathogenesis of this disease remains largely unknown. Methods. In this study, microarray analysis was used to determine the expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs between 3 pairs of earlobe keloid and normal specimens. Gene Ontology (GO) categories and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to identify the main functions of the differentially expressed genes and earlobe keloid-related pathways. Results. A total of 2068 lncRNAs and 1511 mRNAs were differentially expressed between earlobe keloid and normal tissues. Among them, 1290 lncRNAs and 1092 mRNAs were upregulated, and 778 lncRNAs and 419 mRNAs were downregulated. Pathway analysis revealed that 24 pathways were correlated to the upregulated transcripts, while 11 pathways were associated with the downregulated transcripts. Conclusion. We characterized the expression profiles of lncRNA and mRNA in earlobe keloids and suggest that lncRNAs may serve as diagnostic biomarkers for the therapy of earlobe keloid.
Response Characteristics Analysis and Optimization Design of Load Sensing Variable Pump
Authors: Cui Hong-Xin , Feng Ke , Li Huan-Liang , Han Jin-Hua
Published: December 2016

This paper aimed to decrease damping coefficient and enhance dynamic performance of the load sensing variable pump. Firstly, the working mechanism of the pump was analyzed and the dynamic model was built; hence it was concluded that the method to improve the system performance is to increase corner frequency of the first-order inertia elements. Then the simulation test rig of the load sensing variable pump was built with SimHydraulics software and was verified by simulation and experiments; the influence rules of main parameters on the system performance were studied by dynamic simulations. Finally, a structure optimization scheme was proposed; simulation results show that the response time of optimized system is 33.42% reduced and flow overshoot has fallen down from 8.9% to 1.6% compared with the original system.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery and Minimal Access Spinal Surgery Compared in Anterior Thoracic or Thoracolumbar Junctional Spinal Reconstruction: A Case-Control Study and Review of the Literature
Authors: Lee Ching-Yu , Wu Meng-Huang , Li Yen-Yao , Cheng Chin-Chang , Lee Chien-Yin , Huang Tsung-Jen
Published: December 2016

There are no published reports that compare the outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and minimal access spinal surgery (MASS) in anterior spinal reconstruction. We conducted a retrospective case-control study in a single center and systematically reviewed the literature to compare the efficacy and safety of VATS and MASS in anterior thoracic (T) and thoracolumbar junctional (TLJ) spinal reconstruction. From 1995 to 2012, there were 111 VATS patients and 76 MASS patients treated at our hospital. VATS patients had significantly (p<0.001) longer operating times and significantly (p<0.022) higher thoracotomy conversion rates. We reviewed 6 VATS articles and 10 MASS articles, in which there were 625 VATS patients and 399 MASS patients. We recorded clinical complications and a thoracotomy conversion rate from our cases and the selected articles. The incidence of approach-related complications was significantly (p=0.021) higher in VATS patients. The conversion rate was 2% in VATS patients and 0% in MASS patients (p=0.001). In conclusion, MASS is associated with reduction in operating time, approach-related complications, and the thoracotomy conversion rate.
Analysis of Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK Hinge Mechanism Articulation Components in a Rotating Hinge Knee Design: A Comparison of In Vitro and Retrieval Findings
Authors: Schierjott Ronja A. , Giurea Alexander , Neuhaus Hans-Joachim , Schwiesau Jens , Pfaff Andreas M. , Utzschneider Sandra , Tozzi Gianluca , Grupp Thomas M.
Published: December 2016

Carbon fiber reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK) represents a promising alternative material for bushings in total knee replacements, after early clinical failures of polyethylene in this application. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the damage modes and the extent of damage observed on CFR-PEEK hinge mechanism articulation components after in vivo service in a rotating hinge knee (RHK) system and to compare the results with corresponding components subjected to in vitro wear tests. Key question was if there were any similarities or differences between in vivo and in vitro damage characteristics. Twelve retrieved RHK systems after an average of 34.9 months in vivo underwent wear damage analysis with focus on the four integrated CFR-PEEK components and distinction between different damage modes and classification with a scoring system. The analysis included visual examination, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, as well as surface roughness and profile measurements. The main wear damage modes were comparable between retrieved and in vitro specimens (n=3), whereby the size of affected area on the retrieved components showed a higher variation. Overall, the retrieved specimens seemed to be slightly heavier damaged which was probably attributable to the more complex loading and kinematic conditions in vivo.
Acrokeratosis Paraneoplastica Associated with Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Squires Bryan , Daveluy Steven D. , Joiner Michael C. , Hurst Newton , Bishop Michael , Miller Steven R.
Published: December 2016

Background. Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica, or Bazex syndrome, is a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by cutaneous psoriasiform lesions with associated acral erythema and scale, as well as nail changes, including onycholysis and ungual dystrophy. Its most advanced, severe form involves the trunk, elbows, and knees. It is typically associated with upper aerodigestive tract malignancies in males. Rare cases associated with gynecological cancers have been reported, including uterine adenocarcinoma, as well as ovarian and vulvar squamous cell carcinomas. Cutaneous manifestations often precede cancer diagnosis. In most reported cases, skin changes resolve when the underlying malignancy is adequately treated.Main Observations. We present the case of a 56-year-old female diagnosed with acrokeratosis paraneoplastica following the discovery of FIGO stage IIB cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Scaling, hyperpigmentation, xerosis, and fissuring were noted on the patient’s hands, feet, legs, arms, and lower back. Pitting was noted on her fingernails. Her cervical cancer was successfully treated with chemoradiotherapy, after which her cutaneous lesions persisted for two months before resolving.Conclusions. The presentation of acrokeratosis paraneoplastica in this context is atypical. Reports of associations with gynecological cancers, as in our patient’s case, are exceedingly rare.
A Rare Manifestation of Tuberculosis Presenting in the United States
Authors: Bhatty Osman , Waters David , Wilka Nicholas , Samuel Shradha , Horne John , Vivekanandan Renuga
Published: December 2016

A 64-year-old Bangladeshi female presented to her primary care physician with a tender right breast lump that had been present for 4-5 days along with subjective fevers and malaise. Initial biopsy revealed granulomas, but Ziehl-Neelsen and Gram stain were negative for TB so antibiotics were prescribed for abscess until culture came positive for tuberculosis. She was started on triple therapy for extrapulmonary tuberculosis, an exceedingly rare presentation that requires high clinical suspicion in the Western world.
Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome: A Case Report of Two Surgical Options, Duodenal Derotation and Duodenojejunostomy
Authors: Pillay Yagan
Published: December 2016

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction and its management is usually conservative with nasojejunal feeding. The pathophysiology entails the loss of the fat pad between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta. This reduces the angle between the two vessels to less than 20 degrees with the resultant compression of the third part of the duodenum. The surgical management is usually a laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy. The two cases in our series had two different surgical procedures with good outcomes in both patients. The surgical management of each patient should be determined on its own merits irrespective of the standard of care.
A Method of Using a Pelvic C-Clamp for Intraoperative Reduction of a Zone 3 Sacral Fracture
Authors: Wiznia Daniel H. , Swami Nishwant , Kim Chang-Yeon , Leslie Michael P.
Published: December 2016

It is challenging to properly reduce pelvic ring injuries that involve a zone 3 sacral fracture. Several open and closed reduction methods have been described. Percutaneous reductions are challenging, and improper reductions can have poor long-term outcomes. The pelvic C-clamp is a tool designed to provide emergency stabilization to patients suffering from c-type pelvic ring injuries. We describe a case in which a patient’s open book pelvic ring injury with a zone three sacral fracture is reduced intraoperatively with the use of a pelvic C-clamp and stabilized with transsacral screws.
The Vertical Ionosphere Parameters Inversion for High Frequency Surface Wave Radar
Authors: Yang Xuguang , Yu Changjun , Liu Aijun , Wang Linwei , Quan Taifan
Published: December 2016

High Frequency Surface Wave Radar (HFSWR), which is currently applied in over-the-horizon detection of targets and sea states remote sensing, can receive a huge mass of ionospheric echoes, making it possible for the ionospheric clutter suppression to become a hot spot in research area. In this paper, from another perspective, we take the ionospheric echoes as the signal source rather than clutters, which provides the possibility of extracting information regarding the ionosphere region and explores a new application field for HFSWR. Primarily, pretreatment of threshold segmentation as well as connected region generation is used in the Range-Doppler (R-D) Spectrum to extract the ionospheric echoes. Then, electron density and plasma frequency of field aligned irregularities (FAIs) caused by plasma instabilities in the F region are obtained by the coherent backscattered radar equation. The plasma drift velocity of FAIs can also be estimated from Doppler shift. Ultimately, the effectiveness of inversion is verified by comparing with IRI2012.
Remarks on the Static Potential Driven by Vacuum Nonlinearities in D=3 Models
Authors: Gaete Patricio , Helayël-Neto José A.
Published: December 2016

Within the framework of the gauge-invariant, but path-dependent, variables formalism, we study the manifestations of vacuum electromagnetic nonlinearities in D=3 models. For this we consider both generalized Born-Infeld and Pagels-Tomboulis-like electrodynamics, as well as Euler-Heisenberg-like electrodynamics. We explicitly show that generalized Born-Infeld and Pagels-Tomboulis-like electrodynamics are equivalent, where the static potential profile contains a long-range (1/r2-type) correction to the Coulomb potential. Interestingly enough, for Euler-Heisenberg-like electrodynamics the interaction energy contains a linear potential, leading to the confinement of static charges.
Un asunto menor, administrativo: la universidad y el management
Authors: Mandiola Marcela , Varas Alejandro
Published: December 2016

La universidad, su práctica y sus objetivos, han estado en la discusión pública desde hace años. En este artículo reflexionamos acerca de dos discursos principales que han jugado un rol central en la articulación de lo que hoy conocemos como academia en Chile. Lo masculino y managerial le han dado un carácter particular a la universidad en Chile. En otras palabras, la universidad se ha constituido desde un quehacer productivista que busca su optimización a través de la eficiencia y la eficacia. En ese proceso, su dimensión política ha quedado invisibilizada.
Cooperación un tema pendiente para la innovación empresarial
Authors: Geldes Cristian , Heredia Jorge
Published: December 2016

En los últimos años, la innovación se ha destacado como uno de los principales caminos para incrementar la competitividad y sostenibilidad de las empresas.  Este artículo plantea la cooperación empresarial como un elemento clave para promover la innovación, desde una perspectiva teórica y práctica. Luego se discute el estado de la cooperación empresarial en Chile. Por último, se platean desafíos y propuestas para incrementar la colaboración de las empresas con el objeto de aumentar la innovación.
Dose–Response Relationship between Inorganic Arsenic Exposure and Lung Cancer among Arseniasis Residents with Low Methylation Capacity
Authors: Hsu Kuang-Hung , Tsui Ke-Hung , Hsu Ling-I , Chiou Hung-Yi , Chen Chien-Jen
Published: December 2016

Background: Exposure to inorganic arsenic (InAs) has been documented as a risk factor for lung cancer. This study examined the association between InAs exposure, its metabolism, and lung cancer occurrence.

Methods: We followed 1,300 residents from an arseniasis area in Taiwan, determined urinary InAs metabolites, and identified 39 lung cancer cases. Cox proportional hazards model was performed.

Results: The results demonstrated that participants with either the primary methylation index [monomethylarsonic acid (MMA)/InAs] or the secondary methylation index [dimethylarsenic acid (DMA)/MMA] lower than their respective median values were at a higher risk of lung cancer (HRs from 3.41 to 4.66) than those with high methylation capacity. The incidence density of lung cancer increased from 79.9/100,000 (year−1) to 467.4/100,000 (year−1) for residents with low methylation capacity and from 0 to 158.5/100,000 (year−1) for residents with high methylation capacity when the arsenic exposure dose increased from 2 to 10 ppb to ≥200 ppb, respectively. The analyses revealed a dose–response relationship between lung cancer occurrence and increasing arsenic concentrations in drinking water as well as cumulative arsenic exposure (monotonic trend test; P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively) among the residents with low methylation capacity. The relationship between arsenic exposure and lung cancer among high methylators was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Hypomethylation responses to InAs exposure may dose dependently increase lung cancer occurrence.

Impact: The high-risk characteristics observed among those exposed should be considered in future preventive medicine and research on arsenic carcinogenesis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 756–61. ©2016 AACR.
Combined KIT and CTLA-4 Blockade in Patients with Refractory GIST and Other Advanced Sarcomas: A Phase Ib Study of Dasatinib plus Ipilimumab
Authors: D'Angelo Sandra P. , Shoushtari Alexander N. , Keohan Mary Louise , Dickson Mark A. , Gounder Mrinal M. , Chi Ping , Loo Jennifer K. , Gaffney Leigh , Schneider Lee , Patel Zarine , Erinjeri Joseph Patrick , Bluth Mark J. , Sjoberg Ana , Streicher Howard , Takebe Naoko , Qin Li-Xuan , Antonescu Cristina , DeMatteo Ronald P. , Carvajal Richard D. , Tap William D.
Published: December 2016

Purpose: A phase Ib study of dasatinib plus ipilimumab in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and other sarcomas was performed on the basis of preclinical data demonstrating that combined KIT and CTLA-4 blockade is synergistic.

Experimental Design: A standard 3 + 3 design was used to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and immune correlates of treatment. Dose escalation cohorts received ipilimumab 10 or 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, followed by maintenance every 12 weeks with escalating doses of dasatinib (70 mg daily, 100 mg daily, or 70 mg twice daily). Response was assessed by RECIST 1.1, Choi, and immune-related RECIST criteria (irRC).

Results: A total of 28 patients (17 male) were enrolled. Histologic subtypes included GISTs (n = 20) and other sarcomas (n = 8.) Dasatinib 70 mg/day with ipilimumab 10 mg/kg or dasatinib 140 mg/day with ipilimumab 3 mg/kg can be safely administered. Dose-limiting toxicities included grade 3 gastric hemorrhage and anemia. No partial or complete responses were noted by RECIST or irRC. There were 7 of 13 partial responses in the GIST patients by Choi criteria, and 3 of 13 patients each had stable and progressive disease, respectively.

Conclusions: Dasatinib and ipilimumab can be safely administered to GIST and sarcoma patients. However, dasatinib was not synergistic with ipilimumab, as there was limited clinical efficacy with the combination. This limited cohort provides prospective data that indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) suppression may potentially correlate with antitumor efficacy in GIST. Given the small cohort, it is only hypothesis generating and additional data would be required. In the era of more modern and effective checkpoint inhibitors, next steps could be consideration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors or IDO inhibitors in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(12); 2972–80. ©2016 AACR.
Notch4 Signaling Pathway of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in a Kawasaki Disease Model Induced by Lactobacillus casei Cell Wall Extract
Authors: Wang Huafeng , Xia Yuanyuan , Fu Songling , Wang Wei , Xie Chunhong , Zhang Yiying , Gong Fangqi
Published: December 2016

The Notch4 signaling pathway of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may play a crucial role in Kawasaki disease (KD). We investigated the proliferation, adhesion, migration, angiogenesis, and expression levels of Notch4, recombination signal-binding protein-Jκ (RBP-Jκ), P-selectin, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) of bone marrow (BM) EPCs in a KD model induced by Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract. The numbers of BM EPCs decreased significantly in the KD models. The Notch4 expression level on the EPC surface was higher in the KD models than in the controls. The proliferative, adhesive, migratory, and angiogenic properties, and double immunofluorescence-binding rate of BM EPCs were significantly impaired in the KD models. The levels of Notch4 and P-selectin mRNA were lower in the KD models than in the controls on day 3. The RBP-Jκ mRNA levels were lower in the KD models than in the controls on days 3 and 7. The levels of RBP-Jκ and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 proteins decreased in the early stage. In conclusion, the BM EPC functions and bioactivities in the KD models were impaired, and the Notch4 signaling pathway is associated with KD.
The Impact of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma and Its Interaction with Abdominal Obesity on Diabetic Nephropathy in Chinese Han
Authors: Zhang Meihong , Yuan Hongying , Li Changsheng , Li Chunling
Published: December 2016

Background: Several studies have focused on the association between peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy (DN); however, the results of these studies were inconsistent, and until now, no population-based study has focused on the impact of PPARG gene-abdominal obesity interaction on DN risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of PPARG polymorphisms and its interaction with abdominal obesity on DN risk in the Chinese Han population. Methods: A total of 848 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, including 420 DN patients and 428 controls were recruited. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) and logistic regression model were used to examine the association and interaction between single nucleotide polymorphism and abdominal obesity on DN; OR and 95% CI were calculated. Results: We found a significant association between CG or GG in rs1805192 and increased DN risk. DN risk was higher in the carriers of CG or GG genotype of rs1805192 than those with CC genotype; OR (95% CI) was 1.31 (1.11-1.58). GMDR analysis suggested a significant 2-locus model (p = 0.0107) involving rs1805192 and abdominal obesity, indicating a potential gene-environment interaction between rs1805192 and abdominal obesity. Overall, the 2-locus models had a cross-validation consistency of 10 of 10, and the testing accuracy of 62.17%. Conclusions: Our results support an important association between rs1805192 minor allele (G allele) of PPARG and increased DN risk; the interaction analysis showed a combined effect of interaction between rs1805192 and abdominal obesity on DN risk. The results obtained from this study are meaningful for studies on individualized PPARG agonist in treating DN for different persons, such as abdominal obese or non-abdominal obese subject.
Increased Intestinal Inflammation and Digestive Dysfunction in Preterm Pigs with Severe Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Støy Ann Cathrine F. , Heegaard Peter M.H. , Skovgaard Kerstin , Bering Stine B. , Bjerre Mette , Sangild Per T.
Published: December 2016

Background: The risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are well known, but the factors involved in the different NEC presentations remain unclear. Objectives: We hypothesized that digestive dysfunction and intestinal inflammation are mainly affected by severe NEC lesions. Methods: In 48 preterm pigs, the association between the macroscopic NEC score (range 1-6) and the expression of 48 genes related to inflammation, morphological, and digestive parameters in the distal small intestine was investigated. Results: Only severe NEC cases (score of 5-6) were associated with the upregulation of genes involved in inflammation (CCL2, CCL3, CD14, CD163, CXCL8, HP, IL1B, IL1RN, IL6,IL10, NFKBIA, PTGS2 and TNFAIP3) compared to pigs that appeared healthy (score of 1-2) or showed mild NEC (score of 3-4). Pigs with a score of 5-6 had higher intestinal tissue IL-1β levels and a lower mucosal mass, villus height, and aminopeptidase N activity compared to pigs with a score of 1-4, and lower crypts and activities of lactase, dipeptidylpeptidase IV, and aminopeptidase A than pigs with a score of 1-2. Conclusions: The expression of a range of inflammation-related genes was increased only in pigs with severe NEC, concomitant with morphological changes and decreased hydrolase activity. A severe inflammatory response and digestive dysfunction are associated mainly with severe NEC. Still, it remains difficult to separate the initial causes of NEC and the later intestinal consequences of NEC in both infants and experimental models.
Neonatal Pneumothorax: A Descriptive Regional Danish Study
Authors: Vibede Louise , Vibede Emil , Bendtsen Mette , Pedersen Lia , Ebbesen Finn
Published: December 2016

Background: Neonatal pneumothorax (PTX) can occur due to underlying pulmonary disease and/or ventilatory support. PTX can also develop at the onset of respiration. PTX can be life-threatening, and prompt diagnosis is essential to reduce mortality. Objective: To analyse aetiology, demographic aspects, age at diagnosis, required treatment (specifically drainage), and prognosis of all cases of neonatal PTX observed in the North Jutland Region of Denmark from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2014. Method: Retrospective, descriptive, population-based cohort study. Results: During the study period there were 48,968 live births and 71 cases of PTX, giving an incidence of PTX of 0.14% (95% Cl: 0.11-0.18). Of these, 21% were bilateral and 59% tension PTX. Fifty-two percent of neonates affected were born at term. Almost all neonates had underlying lung disease, most commonly transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) in 39% and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in 42%. Only 3% were considered to have developed PTX at the onset of respiration. In preterm neonates, the median age at diagnosis was 28.5 h (IQR: 18.3-48.6), whereas in infants born at term the median age was 6.1 h (IQR: 1.1-17.2) (p < 0.001). Thirteen percent of PTX infants died. Fifty-nine percent of the infants required drainage of the PTX, more frequently those with RDS than TTN. Conclusion: Almost all infants with PTX had underlying lung disease, divided equally between RDS and TTN. The diagnosis of PTX was made earlier in infants with TTN than RDS. Neonates with RDS required drainage more often than those with TTN.
Development of the Corpus Callosum: An MRI Study
Authors: Vannucci Robert C. , Barron Todd F. , Vannucci Susan J.
Published: December 2016

The size and shape of the corpus callosum and its major components (genu, body, and splenium) were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 118 normocephalic individuals aged from 1 postnatal week to 18.7 years. Genu, body, splenial, and total corpus callosal areas increased by 40-100% during the first year of life (p < 0.05). The genu expanded to a greater extent than the splenium during the first 6 years, while the splenium expanded to a greater extent between 7 and 18 years. The age-related difference in the maximal expansion of these structures indicated an anterior to posterior wave of corpus callosal enlargement during maturation, probably the consequence of differential axonal myelination. No sex differences existed during these two developmental phases for the genu, splenial, or total corpus callosal areas with or without scaling to the cerebral hemispheric volume. During infancy (0-24 months), however, the mean female splenial ratio (length/height) of 0.79 was greater than the male ratio of 0.65 (p = 0.024). The cerebral hemispheric length/height ratio was also greater in females, indicating that during infancy the female brain (and its component the corpus callosal splenium) is relatively longer than the male brain. This sex difference was confined to the splenium and disappeared with increasing age.
Autoimmunity in Primary Antibody Deficiencies
Authors: Azizi Gholamreza , Ahmadi Moslem , Abolhassani Hassan , Yazdani Reza , Mohammadi Hamed , Mirshafiey Abbas , Rezaei Nima , Aghamohammadi Asghar
Published: December 2016

Primary antibody deficiencies (PADs) are the most common inherited primary immunodeficiencies in humans, characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia, an inability to produce specific antibodies, and recurrent infections mainly caused by encapsulated bacteria. However, it has been shown that inflammatory disorders, granulomatous lesions, lymphoproliferative diseases, cancer, and autoimmunity are associated with the various types of PAD. Both systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases could be attributed to B-cell defects in PAD patients. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura and autoimmune hemolytic anemia are the most common autoimmune disorders in this group of patients. The aim of this review is to describe the proposed mechanisms for autoimmunity and to review the literature with respect to the reported autoimmune disorders in each type of PAD.
Body Dissatisfaction in Individuals with Obesity Compared to Normal-Weight Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Weinberger Natascha-Alexandra , Kersting Anette , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , Luck-Sikorski Claudia
Published: December 2016

Background: Body dissatisfaction has been identified as a psychological correlate of obesity that is related to disordered eating, poor self-esteem, and depression. However, not all individuals with obesity are equally vulnerable to these correlates, and ‘normative discontent' is present in individuals with normal weight, too. In this light, the complex relationship of body image and individual weight status seems like a worthwhile direction of research inquiry. As such, this review aims to systematically explore the degree of body dissatisfaction in individuals with obesity compared to normal-weight individuals. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted. All quantitative studies of adult samples reporting results regarding differences in body dissatisfaction between individuals with normal weight and obesity were included. Results: 17 articles were found. Across studies, individuals with obesity reported higher body dissatisfaction than normal-weight individuals (questionnaires: d = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.63-1.16, p < 0.001; silhouette scales: d = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.57-2.25, p < 0.001). Meta-regression revealed a significant association of female gender and higher body dissatisfaction (b = 0.60, p = 0.007). Conclusion: The findings underline the severity of body dissatisfaction among individuals with obesity and especially among women. Future research recommendations are discussed.