bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histomorphometric outcomes after lateral sinus floor elevation procedure: a systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis
Authors: Corbella Stefano , Taschieri Silvio , Weinstein Roberto , Del Fabbro Massimo
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The aim of the present systematic review of the literature was to evaluate biomaterials performances considering new bone formation estimated through histomorphometric analysis of bone biopsies from human subjects after maxillary sinus floor elevation.

Materials and methods

An electronic and manual search was performed to retrieve articles showing histomorphometric data of bone biopsies performed after sinus floor elevation surgery. Recorded data were statistically analyzed evaluating percentage of new bone volume, residual biomaterial, and connective/soft tissues in the biopsies. A meta‐analysis of comparative studies was also performed.

Results

After article selection process, 84 articles were included in the quantitative synthesis and 16 of them in the meta‐analysis of comparative studies. The use of autogenous bone (AB) alone led to a significantly higher new bone formation if compared with bovine bone (BB) alone (P = 0.04), while no significant difference was found when the latter was compared with a mixture ofABandBB(P = 0.52). Grafts composed ofBBshowed significantly greater new bone formation as compared to hydroxyapatite (HA) (P < 0.001) while a mixture of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) andHAachieved better outcomes thanBB(P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Based on histomorphometric evaluation,ABshould still be taken into consideration when the highest possible new bone formation is the primary aim in maxillary sinus surgery. When donor site morbidity is a concern,BBand a mixture ofTCPandHAcould be considered as predictable, showing promising results. More comparative histologic studies are needed to confirm such results.
Motion Sickness: Current Knowledge and Recent Advance
Authors: Zhang Li‐Li , Wang Jun‐Qin , Qi Rui‐Rui , Pan Lei‐Lei , Li Min , Cai Yi‐Ling
Published: October 2015

Motion sickness (MS) is a common physiological response to real or virtual motion. Numerous studies have investigated the neurobiological mechanism and the control measures of MS. This review summarizes the current knowledge about pathogenesis and pathophysiology, prediction, evaluation, and countermeasures of MS. The sensory conflict hypothesis is the most widely accepted theory for MS. Both the hippocampus and vestibular cortex might play a role in forming internal model. The pathophysiology focuses on the visceral afference, thermoregulation and MS‐related neuroendocrine. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in some genes and epigenetic modulation might contribute to MS susceptibility and habituation. Questionnaires, heart rate variability (HRV) and electrogastrogram (EGG) are useful for diagnosing and evaluating MS. We also list MS medications to guide clinical practice. Repeated real motion exposure and combined visual‐vestibular interaction training accelerate the progress of habituation. Behavioral and dietary countermeasures, as well as physiotherapy, are also effective in alleviating MS symptoms.
Honey and beehive products in otorhinolaryngology: a narrative review
Authors: Henatsch D. , Wesseling F. , Kross K.W. , Stokroos R.J.
Published: October 2015

Background

Honey and beehive products were rediscovered as an alternative treatment in wounds. The medicinal properties also raised interest of their use in Otorhinolaryngology.

Objective of review

To give an overview of the effectiveness of beehive products in Otorhinolaryngology.

Type of review

Narrative.

Search strategy and evaluation

A literature search of the databases PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane was performed from the last two decades till December 2014. The search terms ‘honey’, ‘propolis’ or ‘royal jelly’ were used. Articles, which evaluated the effectiveness of beehive products in Otorhinolaryngology, were included. The quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool.

Discussion and Conclusion

A total of 36 studies were identified and evaluated. Eighteen studies investigated their effect in oral infections, seven in infection of the respiratory tract, six in rhino‐sinusal diseases, four investigated the use in tonsillectomy and head and neck surgery and one study explored the preventive effect in otitis media. Honey can be considered as effective (additional) treatment in mucositis, childhood cough, persistent post‐infectious cough and after tonsillectomy. Propolis may have a role in the treatment of (aphthous) stomatitis, mouth ulcer and prevention of acute otitis media. Royal jelly showed to reduce mucositis. In the presented studies, beehive products proved to be safe, with only minor adverse reactions. Studies showed to be diverse and had some methodological limitations.
Quantitative analysis of gains and catch‐up saccades of video‐head‐impulse testing by age in normal subjects
Authors: Yang C.J. , Lee J.Y. , Kang B.C. , Lee H.S. , Yoo M.H. , Park H.J.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To evaluate video‐head‐impulse test (vHIT) results in normal subjects, to determine the normative values of vHIT for the vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) and to characterise the catch‐up saccades (CSs).

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care academic referral centre.

Participants

Fifty healthy subjects with no history of vestibular impairment, ten each in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's, underwent vHITs in the lateral semicircular canal plane.

Main outcome measures

vHIT gains and the incidence and amplitudes of covert and overt CSs.

Results

The mean vHIT gain was 1.02 ± 0.07, and the mean gain asymmetry was 2.39 ± 1.96%, with no significant differences among age groups. CSs were observed during 22.6% of the trials and in 49% of the ears. The incidence of CSs was not associated with age. The mean velocity of CSs was 55.5 ± 16.9°/s, and its mean interaural difference was 11.8 ± 10.7°/s.

Conclusions

vHIT gains were consistently equal to 1.0 in all age groups (20's to 60's), suggesting that abnormal criteria for vHIT gain (e.g. 0.8) and gain asymmetry (e.g. 8%) can be used, regardless of age. CSs were observed in about half of normal ears, suggesting that VOR is a hypometric system. The amplitudes and interaural difference of CSs were also similar in all age groups, suggesting that abnormal criteria for CS amplitude (e.g. 100°/s) and interaural difference (e.g. 40°/s) can be used, regardless of age.
A review of simulation platforms in surgery of the temporal bone
Authors: Bhutta M.F.
Published: October 2015

Background

Surgery of the temporal bone is a high‐risk activity in an anatomically complex area. Simulation enables rehearsal of such surgery. The traditional simulation platform is the cadaveric temporal bone, but in recent years other simulation platforms have been created, including plastic and virtual reality platforms.

Objective of review

To undertake a review of simulation platforms for temporal bone surgery, specifically assessing their educational value in terms of validity and in enabling transition to surgery.

Type of review

Systematic qualitative review.

Search strategy

Search of the Pubmed, CINAHL, BEI and ERIC databases.

Evaluation method

Assessment of reported outcomes in terms of educational value.

Results

A total of 49 articles were included, covering cadaveric, animal, plastic and virtual simulation platforms. Cadaveric simulation is highly rated as an educational tool, but there may be a ceiling effect on educational outcomes after drilling 8–10 temporal bones. Animal models show significant anatomical variation from man. Plastic temporal bone models offer much potential, but at present lack sufficient anatomical or haptic validity. Similarly, virtual reality platforms lack sufficient anatomical or haptic validity, but with technological improvements they are advancing rapidly.

Conclusions

At present, cadaveric simulation remains the best platform for training in temporal bone surgery. Technological advances enabling improved materials or modelling mean that in the future plastic or virtual platforms may become comparable to cadaveric platforms, and also offer additional functionality including patient‐specific simulation from CT data.
Measurement of head and neck paragangliomas: is volumetric analysis worth the effort? A method comparison study
Authors: Heesterman B.L. , Verbist B.M. , van der Mey A.G.L. , Bayley J.P. , Corssmit E.P.M. , Hes F.J. , Jansen J.C.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the reproducibility of different measurement methods and define the most workable technique for measuring head and neck paragangliomas, to determine the best method for evaluating tumour growth. The evaluation of tumour growth is vital for a ‘wait‐and‐scan’ policy, a management strategy that became increasingly important.

Study design

Method comparison study.

Setting and participants

Thirty tumours, including carotid body, vagal body, jugulotympanic tumours and conglomerates of multiple tumours, were measured in duplicate, using linear dimensions, manual area tracing and an automated segmentation method.

Main outcome measures

Reproducibility was assessed using the Bland–Altman method.

Results

The smallest detectable difference using the linear dimension method was 11% for carotid body and 27% for vagal body tumours, compared with 17% and 20% for the manual area tracing method. Due to the irregular shape of paragangliomas in the temporal bone and conglomerates, the manual area tracing method showed better results in these tumours (26% and 8% versus 54% and 47%). The linear dimension method was significantly faster (median 4.27 versus 18.46 minutes, P < 0.001). The automatic segmentation method yielded smallest detectable differences between 39% and 75%, and although fast (2.19 ± 1.49 minutes), it failed technically.

Conclusions

Due to a relatively good reproducibility, fast and easy application, we found the linear dimension method to be the most pragmatic approach for evaluation of growth of carotid and vagal body paragangliomas. For jugulotympanic tumours, the preferred method is manual area tracing. However, volumetric changes of these tumours may be of less clinical importance than changes in relation to surrounding anatomical structures.
Assessing the safety and efficacy of drugs used in preparing the nose for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures: a systematic review
Authors: Saif A.M. , Farboud A. , Delfosse E. , Pope L. , Adke M.
Published: October 2015

Background

Local anaesthetics and vasoconstrictors are essential for pain control and to aid intra‐operative haemostasis in nasal procedures. They also improve access, and reduce discomfort when performing nasal endoscopy. There are no clear guidelines on preparing the nose despite evermore diagnostic and therapeutic procedures utilising the nose as a point of access.

Objective of review

This review aims to identify nasal preparations used in diagnostic and therapeutic nasal procedures and to examine their safety and efficacy.

Type of review

Systematic review.

Search strategy

A search was carried out using PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, the Cochrane library and references from the included articles.

Evaluation method

The inclusion criteria included: full‐text English language articles with regard to nasal preparation for surgery. Case reports, systematic reviews, meta‐analysis, double‐blind placebo controlled randomised trials (RCTs) and case series were included.

Results

A total of 53 articles were retrieved: 13 articles on nasal preparation for operative procedures, six on functional endoscopic sinus surgery and 22 on nasendoscopy as well as six case reports. Cocaine was the most widely used topical preparation for operative procedures but was associated with more side‐effects; thus, topical tetracaine and levobupivacaine infiltration are alternatives with equivalent efficacy but reduced adverse effects. All articles reviewed for functional endoscopic sinus surgery used a mixture containing lidocaine, adrenaline or both. Flexible nasendoscopy causes minimal patient discomfort and preparation is only recommended in selected patients, in contrast to rigid nasendoscopy which requires preparation.

Conclusion

For operative procedures, such as septorhinoplasty, a single agent tetracaine or levobupivicaine provides an improved surgical field. In functional endoscopic sinus surgery, lidocaine–adrenaline preparations have resulted in significantly better surgical and patient outcomes. There is little evidence to support the routine use of pre‐procedural nasal preparation for flexible nasendoscopy. Those undergoing rigid endoscopy conversely always require the use of a vasoconstrictor and local anaesthetic. Pre‐procedure assessment of patients is recommended, with agents being reserved for those with low pain thresholds, high anxiety and small nasal apertures presenting resistance to the insertion of the endoscope.
Endoscopically assisted extralevator abdominoperineal excision
Authors: Buchs N. C. , Kraus R. , Mortensen N. J. , Cunningham C. , George B. , Jones O. , Guy R. , Ashraf S. , Lindsey I. , Hompes R.
Published: October 2015

Aim

Extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) has been advocated to optimize clearance of lower third rectal cancers with an involved or threatened circumferential resection margin. ELAPE could reduce positive margins and specimen perforation compared with standard abdominoperineal excision. However, there can be difficulties with ELAPE, particularly in identifying the anterior plane in male patients. Usually, the dissection is performed in the prone position, which can be hazardous, particularly in obese patients in whom wound problems are commonly encountered. We describe an endoscopically assisted approach for ELAPE in the lithotomy position.

Method

Three male patients with a rectal tumour located at the anorectal junction underwent an endoscopically assisted ELAPE in the lithotomy position after preoperative radiotherapy.

Results

All the procedures were performed successfully with operation times of 180, 390 and 420 mins. There were no instances of intra‐operative perforation or other complications. One patient developed postoperative intestinal obstruction which resolved on conservative management. There were no wound complications. Histopathological examination demonstrated clear margins and intact mesorectal planes in each patient.

Conclusion

We report a good outcome in three patients after endoscopically assisted ELAPE. This approach allows the patient to be operated on in the lithotomy position giving excellent views of the anterior dissection.
Graph‐Theoretic Properties of Networks Based on Word Association Norms: Implications for Models of Lexical Semantic Memory
Authors: Gruenenfelder Thomas M. , Recchia Gabriel , Rubin Tim , Jones Michael N.
Published: October 2015

We compared the ability of three different contextual models of lexical semantic memory (BEAGLE, Latent Semantic Analysis, and the Topic model) and of a simple associative model (POC) to predict the properties of semantic networks derived from word association norms. None of the semantic models were able to accurately predict all of the network properties. All three contextual models over‐predicted clustering in the norms, whereas the associative model under‐predicted clustering. Only a hybrid model that assumed that some of the responses were based on a contextual model and others on an associative network (POC) successfully predicted all of the network properties and predicted a word's top five associates as well as or better than the better of the two constituent models. The results suggest that participants switch between a contextual representation and an associative network when generating free associations. We discuss the role that each of these representations may play in lexical semantic memory. Concordant with recent multicomponent theories of semantic memory, the associative network may encode coordinate relations between concepts (e.g., the relation between pea and bean, or between sparrow and robin), and contextual representations may be used to process information about more abstract concepts.
Lost in the Rhythm: Effects of Rhythm on Subsequent Interpersonal Coordination
Authors: Lang Martin , Shaw Daniel J. , Reddish Paul , Wallot Sebastian , Mitkidis Panagiotis , Xygalatas Dimitris
Published: October 2015

Music is a natural human expression present in all cultures, but the functions it serves are still debated. Previous research indicates that rhythm, an essential feature of music, can enhance coordination of movement and increase social bonding. However, the prolonged effects of rhythm have not yet been investigated. In this study, pairs of participants were exposed to one of three kinds of auditory stimuli (rhythmic, arrhythmic, or white‐noise) and subsequently engaged in five trials of a joint‐action task demanding interpersonal coordination. We show that when compared with the other two stimuli, exposure to the rhythmic beat reduced the practice effect in task performance. Analysis of the behavioral data suggests that this reduction results from more temporally coupled motor movements over successive trials and that shared exposure to rhythm facilitates interpersonal motor coupling, which in this context serves to impede the attainment of necessary dynamic coordination. We propose that rhythm has the potential to enhance interpersonal motor coupling, which might serve as a mechanism behind its facilitation of positive social attitudes.
The Invisible Hand: Toddlers Connect Probabilistic Events With Agentive Causes
Authors: Wu Yang , Muentener Paul , Schulz Laura E.
Published: October 2015

Children posit unobserved causes when events appear to occur spontaneously (e.g., Gelman & Gottfried, 1996). What about when events appear to occur probabilistically? Here toddlers (M = 20.1 months) saw arbitrary causal relationships (Cause A generated Effect A; Cause B generated Effect B) in a fixed, alternating order. The relationships were then changed in one of two ways. In the Deterministic condition, the event order changed (Event B preceded Event A); in the Probabilistic condition, the causal relationships changed (Cause A generated Effect B; Cause B generated Effect A). As intended, toddlers looked equally long at both changes (Experiment 1). We then introduced a previously unseen candidate cause. Toddlers looked longer at the appearance of a hand (Experiment 2) and novel agent (Experiment 3) in the Deterministic than the Probabilistic conditions, but looked equally long at novel non‐agents (Experiment 4), suggesting that by 2 years of age, toddlers connect probabilistic events with unobserved agents.
Neuroscientific Prediction and the Intrusion of Intuitive Metaphysics
Authors: Rose David , Buckwalter Wesley , Nichols Shaun
Published: October 2015

How might advanced neuroscience—in which perfect neuro‐predictions are possible—interact with ordinary judgments of free will? We propose that peoples' intuitive ideas about indeterminist free will are both imported into and intrude into their representation of neuroscientific scenarios and present six experiments demonstrating intrusion and importing effects in the context of scenarios depicting perfect neuro‐prediction. In light of our findings, we suggest that the intuitive commitment to indeterminist free will may be resilient in the face of scientific evidence against such free will.
Lexical leverage: category knowledge boosts real‐time novel word recognition in 2‐year‐olds
Authors: Borovsky Arielle , Ellis Erica M. , Evans Julia L. , Elman Jeffrey L.
Published: October 2015

Recent research suggests that infants tend to add words to their vocabulary that are semantically related to other known words, though it is not clear why this pattern emerges. In this paper, we explore whether infants leverage their existing vocabulary and semantic knowledge when interpreting novel label–object mappings in real time. We initially identified categorical domains for which individual 24‐month‐old infants have relatively higher and lower levels of knowledge, irrespective of overall vocabulary size. Next, we taught infants novel words in these higher and lower knowledge domains and then asked if their subsequent real‐time recognition of these items varied as a function of their category knowledge. While our participants successfully acquired the novel label–object mappings in our task, there were important differences in the way infants recognized these words in real time. Namely, infants showed more robust recognition of high (vs. low) domain knowledge words. These findings suggest that dense semantic structure facilitates early word learning and real‐time novel word recognition.
The impact of baroreflex function on endogenous pain control: a microneurography study
Authors: Lautenschläger Gothje , Habig Kathrin , Best Christoph , Kaps Manfred , Elam Mikael , Birklein Frank , Krämer Heidrun H.
Published: October 2015

The interaction between sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity to muscles [muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), burst frequency (BF) and burst incidence (BI)] and different stress and somatosensory stimuli is still unclear. Eighteen healthy men (median age 28 years) underwent microneurography recordings from the peroneal nerve. MSNA was recorded during heat pain (HP) and cold pain (CP) alone as well as combined with different stress tasks (mental arithmetic, singing, giving a speech). An additional nine healthy men (median age 26 years) underwent the stimulation protocol with an additional control task (thermal pain combined with listening to music) to evaluate possible attentional confounders. MSNA was significantly increased by CP and HP. CP‐evoked responses were smaller. The diastolic blood pressure followed the time course of MSNA while heart rate remained unchanged. The mental stress tasks further increased MSNA and were sufficient to reduce pain while the control task had no effect. MSNA activity correlated negatively with pain intensity and positively with analgesia. High blood pressure values were associated with lower pain intensity. Our study indicates an impact of central sympathetic drive on pain and pain control.
Increased spontaneous neuronal activity in structurally damaged cortex is correlated with early motor recovery in patients with subcortical infarction
Authors: Liu G. , Dang C. , Peng K. , Xie C. , Chen H. , Xing S. , Chen X. , Zeng J.
Published: October 2015

Background and purpose

Secondary cortical thinning and volumetric atrophy in the motor‐related cortex can inhibit early functional recovery after subcortical infarction. However, the relationship between the spontaneous neuronal activity in these cortices and motor recovery in patients with focal cerebral infarct remains unknown.

Methods

Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resting‐state functional MRI were conducted 1, 4 and 12 weeks after onset in 22 patients with an acute subcortical infarct and in 22 normal subjects. Group differences in cortical thickness and in the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in motor‐related areas were evaluated, and the relationships between ALFF, cortical thickness changes and changes in the Fugl−Meyer scores of physical performance were further analyzed.

Results

In patients with subcortical infarction, progressively decreasing cortical thickness was found over the observation period ipsilesionally in the primary motor cortex (PMC), supplementary motor cortex (SMC) and precuneus (all P < 0.05). Contralesionally, progressive increases in cortical thickness were detected in SMC and insula (all P < 0.05). Increases in ALFF were observed only in PMC (bilaterally) and only at 12 weeks after stroke (all P < 0.05). The cortical thickness changes in the contralesional SMC (rs = 0.483, P = 0.023) and the ALFF changes in bilateral PMC (ipsilesional, rs = 0.51, P = 0.015; contralesional, rs = 0.463, P = 0.03) were positively correlated with changes in the Fugl−Meyer scores.

Conclusions

These results suggest that increased spontaneous neuronal activity of the PMC, a region structurally damaged secondarily to ischaemic lesion, may contribute to early motor recovery in patients with subcortical infarction.
Immune response induced by Epstein–Barr virus and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis peptides in current and past infectious mononucleosis: a risk for multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Mameli G. , Madeddu G. , Cossu D. , Galleri G. , Manetti R. , Babudieri S. , Mura M. Stella , Sechi L. A.
Published: October 2015

Background and purpose

Infectious mononucleosis (IM) caused by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been associated with increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the mechanism linking these pathologies is unclear. Different reports indicate the association of EBV, and recently Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), with MS. For a better understanding of the role of these pathogens, the host response induced by selected antigenic peptides in subjects with a history of IM that significantly increases the risk of MS was investigated.

Methods

Both humoral and cell‐mediated response against peptides able to induce a specific immune activation in MS patients deriving from lytic and latent EBV antigens BOLF1305−320, EBNA1400−413, from MAP MAP_402718−32, MAP_0106c121−132 and from human proteins IRF5424−434 and MBP85−98 in subjects with current and past IM were examined.

Results

EBNA1 and MAP_0106c peptides were able to induce a humoral immune response in subjects with a history of clinical IM in an independent manner. Moreover, these peptides were capable of inducing pro‐inflammatory cytokine interferon γ by CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor α by CD14+ monocyte cells.

Conclusion

Our results highlight that EBV and MAP may be involved independently in the same causal process leading to MS in subjects with a history of IM.
Why evolution matters for species conservation: perspectives from three case studies of plant metapopulations
Authors: Olivieri Isabelle , Tonnabel Jeanne , Ronce Ophélie , Mignot Agnès
Published: October 2015

We advocate the advantage of an evolutionary approach to conservation biology that considers evolutionary history at various levels of biological organization. We review work on three separate plant taxa, spanning from one to multiple decades, illustrating extremes in metapopulation functioning. We show how the rare endemics Centaurea corymbosa (Clape Massif, France) and Brassica insularis in Corsica (France) may be caught in an evolutionary trap: disruption of metapopulation functioning due to lack of colonization of new sites may have counterselected traits such as dispersal ability or self‐compatibility, making these species particularly vulnerable to any disturbance. The third case study concerns the evolution of life history strategies in the highly diverse genus Leucadendron of the South African fynbos. There, fire disturbance and the recolonization phase after fires are so integral to the functioning of populations that recruitment of new individuals is conditioned by fire. We show how past adaptation to different fire regimes and climatic constraints make species with different life history syndromes more or less vulnerable to global changes. These different case studies suggest that management strategies should promote evolutionary potential and evolutionary processes to better protect extant biodiversity and biodiversification.
Mineralization of bone‐related SaOS‐2 cells under physiological hypoxic conditions
Authors: Müller Werner E. G. , Schröder Heinz C. , Tolba Emad , Diehl‐Seifert Bärbel , Wang Xiaohong
Published: October 2015

Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a physiological energy‐rich polymer with multiple phosphoric anhydride bonds. In cells such as bone‐forming osteoblasts, glycolysis is the main pathway generating metabolic energy in the form of ATP. In the present study, we show that, under hypoxic culture conditions, the growth/viability of osteoblast‐like SaOS‐2 cells is not impaired. The addition of polyP to those cells, administered as amorphous calcium polyP nanoparticles (aCa‐polyP‐NP; approximate size 100 nm), significantly increased the proliferation of the cells. In the presence of polyP, the cells produce significant levels of lactate, the end product of anaerobic glycolysis. Under those conditions, an eight‐fold increase in the steady‐state level of the membrane‐associated carbonic anhydrase IX is found, as well as a six‐fold induction of the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1. Consequently, biomineral formation onto the SaOS‐2 cells decreases under low oxygen tension. If the polyP nanoparticles are added to the cells, the degree of mineralization is enhanced. These changes had been measured also in human mesenchymal stem cells. The assumption that the bicarbonate, generated by the carbonic anhydrase in the presence of polyP under low oxygen, is deposited as a constituent of the bioseeds formed during initial hydroxyapatite formation is corroborated by the identification of carbon besides of calcium, oxygen and phosphorus in the initial biomineral deposit onto the cells using the sensitive technology of high‐resolution energy dispersive spectrometry mapping. Based on these data, we conclude that polyP is required for the supply of metabolic energy during bone mineral formation under physiological, hypoxic conditions, acting as a ‘metabolic fuel’ for the cells to grow.
DDX3 functions in antiviral innate immunity through translational control of PACT
Authors: Lai Ming‐Chih , Sun H. Sunny , Wang Shainn‐Wei , Tarn Woan‐Yuh
Published: October 2015

It has emerged that DDX3 plays a role in antiviral innate immunity. However, the exact mechanism by which DDX3 functions in antiviral innate immunity remains to be determined. We found that the expression of the protein activator of the interferon‐induced protein kinase (PACT) was regulated by DDX3 in human cells. PACT acts as a cellular activator of retinoic acid‐inducible gene‐I‐like receptors in the sensing of viral RNAs. DDX3 facilitated the translation of PACT mRNA that may contain a structured 5′ UTR. Knockdown of DDX3 decreased the viral RNA detection sensitivity of the cells. PACT partially rescued defects of interferon‐β1 and chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5/RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted) induction in DDX3‐knockdown HEK293 cells. Therefore, DDX3 may participate in antiviral innate immunity, at least in part, by translational control of PACT. Moreover, we show that overexpression of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein inhibited the translation of a reporter mRNA harboring the PACT 5′ UTR. The HCV core protein was associated and colocalized with DDX3 in cytoplasmic stress granules, suggesting that the HCV core may abrogate the function of DDX3 by sequestering DDX3 in stress granules. The perturbation of DDX3 by viral proteins delineates a critical role for DDX3 in antiviral host defense.
Perioperative management and outcome of fracture treatment in patients with haemophilia without inhibitors
Authors: Strauss A. C. , Pennekamp P. H. , Placzek R. , Schmolders J. , Friedrich M. J. , Oldenburg J. , Burger C. , Müller M. C.
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Fractures in persons with haemophilia (PWH) are not uncommon and require an interdisciplinary approach to maintain haemostasis during surgical treatment.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the perioperative management and outcome in PWH following fracture fixation compared to a matched non‐haemophilic control group.

Methods

A cohort of 44 PWH who underwent 46 surgical fracture fixations was retrospectively compared to 46 non‐haemophilic patients (matched‐pair controls). Patients were classified according to the fracture localization: (i) proximal upper extremity (PrUEx; n = 7), (ii) distal upper extremity (DiUEx; n = 12), (iii) proximal lower extremity (PrLEx; n = 13) and (iv) distal lower extremity (DiLEx; n = 14). Both groups were assessed for length of hospital stay, duration of surgery, drainage use and complication rates.

Results

There was no significant difference regarding the duration of the preoperative hospital stay between PWH and controls. Only PWH who were operated at the DiUEx stayed significantly longer in hospital (4.8 ± 3.7 days) than controls (2.2 ± 2.3 days; P = 0.039). Operation time was significantly longer in PWH with fractures treated at the DiLEx (64.9 ± 26.6 min) compared to the controls (49.8 ± 37.9 min; P = 0.035). Neither frequency nor duration of surgical drainage placement differed significantly between the two groups. The overall complication rate in both groups was low without a statistically significant difference.

Conclusion

An optimal interdisciplinary perioperative management provided the surgical treatment of fractures in PWH can be performed safely with a low complication rate.
Immune activation in the course of HIV‐1 infection: Causes, phenotypes and persistence under therapy
Authors: Younas M , Psomas C , Reynes J , Corbeau P
Published: October 2015

Systemic immune activation is a striking consequence of HIV‐1 infection. Even in virologically suppressed patients, some hyperactivity of the immune system and even of the endothelium and of the coagulation pathway may persist. Apart from immune deficiency, this chronic activation may contribute to various morbidities including atherothrombosis, neurocognitive disorders, liver steatosis and osteoporosis, which are currently main challenges. It is therefore of major importance to better understand the causes and the phenotypes of immune activation in the course of HIV‐1 infection. In this review we will discuss the various causes of immune activation in HIV‐1 infected organisms: the presence of the virus together with other microbes, eventually coming from the gut, CD4+ T cell lymphopenia, senescence and dysregulation of the immune system, and/or genetic factors. We will also describe the activation of the immune system: CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, NKT and NK cells, dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages, and neutrophils of the inflammation cascade, as well as of the endothelium and the coagulation system. Finally, we will see that antiretroviral therapy reduces the hyperactivity of the immune and coagulation systems and the endothelial dysfunction, but often does not abolish it. A better knowledge of this phenomenon might help us to identify biomarkers predictive of non AIDS‐linked comorbidities, and to define new strategies aiming at preventing their emergence.
Capturing northern biodiversity: diversity of arctic, subarctic and north boreal beetles and spiders are affected by trap type and habitat
Authors: Ernst Crystal M. , Loboda Sarah , Buddle Christopher M.
Published: October 2015

Rapid environmental changes in arctic, subarctic and boreal biomes are fuelling the need for effective biodiversity monitoring programs in these regions. Terrestrial arthropods are ideal focal taxa for monitoring, but quantitative comparisons of the efficacy and outcomes of different sampling protocols are limited.

Here, the influence of trap type (yellow pan trap or traditional pitfall) and habitat (wet or mesic) on the abundance and diversity of ground‐dwelling arthropods is determined for samples collected in the three northernmost ecoclimatic zones of Canada, using over 32 000 specimens of beetles and spiders.

Trap and habitat both influence the abundance, richness, and assemblage composition of arthropods collected, but these effects differ between ecoclimatic zones and depend on taxonomic resolution.

Sampling in different habitats yields greater diversity than sampling with different traps in the high arctic, while the inverse is true in the north boreal zone, and neither factor appears to have a significant effect on the diversity of arthropods collected in the subarctic.

In all zones, the addition of recessed yellow pan traps to a traditional pitfall trap‐based sampling regime results in the capture of many additional unique species, suggesting that colour is an attractant for at least some ground‐dwelling taxa.

These findings have significant implications for large‐scale terrestrial diversity monitoring programs being established or implemented in northern systems. It is recommended that sampling regimes be designed to maximize the diversity of arthropods collected, by including a minimum of two distinct habitats and by using yellow pitfall traps.
A new approach to the management of caliber‐persistent artery: A case report and analysis of previously reported cases
Authors: Agha‐Hosseini Farzaneh , Sheykhbahaei Nafiseh
Published: October 2015

A caliber‐persistent labial artery (CPLA) is an incipient arterial branch that penetrates near the submucosal tissue of the lip without dividing or reducing in diameter and often appears as a palpable lesion on the lip. It occurs at an incidence of approximately 3%. This study investigated the causes of swelling of the lips, focusing on CPLA, and reviewed the literature for past cases in order to inform the treatment of a 32‐year‐old man presenting with an asymptomatic, solitary, elevated lesion on the vermilion of the upper lip of seven months duration. Biopsy resulted in abundant bleeding. Histopathology showed fragments of connective tissue composed of spindle‐shaped cells, fibroblasts, collagen fibers and sections of small blood vessels with lymphocytic infiltration of chronic inflammatory cells around the small vessels. A thick‐walled section reminiscent of a major artery was apparent. In view of the size of the lesion and concern over the functional and esthetic impairment that might result from surgery, the patient was treated with triamcinolone (40 mg/ml) injected at low pressure into the lesion, which caused the formation of deposits of colloidal particles within the lesion. The procedure was repeated twice at 2‐week intervals. Subsequently, the lesion was found to have completely regressed. The favorable therapeutic results achieved, and the findings of the present review, support the intralesional injection of triamcinolone as a first‐line conservative treatment in CPLA rather than a surgical approach that can result in inordinate hemorrhaging.
Palmitate differentially regulates the polarization of differentiating and differentiated macrophages
Authors: Xiu Fangming , Diao Li , Qi Peter , Catapano Michael , Jeschke Marc G.
Published: October 2015

The tissue accumulation of M1 macrophages in patients with metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus has been well‐documented. Interestingly, it is an accumulation of M2 macrophages that is observed in the adipose, liver and lung tissues, as well as in the circulation, of patients who have had major traumas such as a burn injury or sepsis; however, the trigger for the M2 polarization observed in these patients has not yet been identified. In the current study, we explored the effects of chronic palmitate and high glucose treatment on macrophage differentiation and function in murine bone‐marrow‐derived macrophages. We found that chronic treatment with palmitate decreased phagocytosis and HLA‐DR expression in addition to inhibiting the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Chronic palmitate treatment of bone marrows also led to M2 polarization, which correlated with the activation of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ signalling pathway. Furthermore, we found that chronic palmitate treatment increased the expression of multiple endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers, including binding immunoglobulin protein. Preconditioning with the universal ER stress inhibitor 4‐phenylbutyrate attenuated ER stress signalling and neutralized the effect of palmitate, inducing a pro‐inflammatory phenotype. We confirmed these results in differentiating human macrophages, showing an anti‐inflammatory response to chronic palmitate exposure. Though alone it did not promote M2 polarization, hyperglycaemia exacerbated the effects of palmitate. These findings suggest that the dominant accumulation of M2 in adipose tissue and liver in patients with critical illness may be a result of hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia, both components of the hypermetabolism observed in critically ill patients.
Entamoeba marina n. sp.; a New Species of Entamoeba Isolated from Tidal Flat Sediment of Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Shiratori Takashi , Ishida Ken‐ichiro
Published: October 2015

The genus Entamoeba includes anaerobic lobose amoebae, most of which are parasites of various vertebrates and invertebrates. We report a new Entamoeba species, E. marina n. sp. that was isolated from a sample of tidal flat sediment collected at Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan. Trophozoites of E. marina were 12.8–32.1 μm in length and 6.8–15.9 μm in width, whereas the cysts were 8.9–15.8 μm in diam. and contained four nuclei. The E. marina cells contained a rounded nucleus with a small centric karyosome and uniformly arranged peripheral chromatin. Although E. marina is morphologically indistinguishable from other tetranucleated cyst‐forming Entamoeba species, E. marina can be distinguished from them based on the combination of molecular phylogenetic analyses using SSU rDNA gene and the difference of collection sites. Therefore, we propose E. marina as a new species of the genus Entamoeba.
Morphology and Phylogeny of Three Pleuronema Species (Ciliophora, Scuticociliatia) from Hangzhou Bay, China, with Description of Two New Species, P. binucleatum n. sp. and P. parawiackowskii n. sp.
Authors: Pan Hongbo , Hu Juxiang , Jiang Jiamei , Wang Liqing , Hu Xiaozhong
Published: October 2015

The morphology and phylogeny of Pleuronema binucleatum n. sp., P. parawiackowskii n. sp., and P. marinum Dujardin 1841, collected from Hangzhou Bay estuary, China, were investigated using standard methods. Pleuronema binucleatum n. sp. can be identified by possessing about 90–120 × 35–50 μm cell size in vivo, reniform body outline, two macronuclei, six to eight preoral kineties, 32–41 somatic kineties, and posterior end of the anterior fragment of membranelle 2 (M2a) hook‐like. Pleuronema parawiackowskii n. sp. is characterized by the combination of the following characters: body size about 60–90 × 20–40 μm in vivo, elliptical in outline, four to eight preoral kineties, 20–29 somatic kineties, posterior portion of the M2a slightly curved but nonhooked, and single macronucleus sausage‐like. After comparison with other populations of P. marinum, it is suggested that many misidentifications exist in previous studies. And an improved diagnosis of P. marinum was supplied: cell about 95–180 μm long, elliptical in outline; 2–4 preoral kineties and 53–70 somatic kineties; both membranelle 1 and membranelle 3 three‐rowed; posterior end of the M2a straight; single contractile vacuole characteristically positioned near mid‐body. The small subunit rRNA genes of three forms were sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the monophyly of the genus Pleuronema is still not supported.
Biological confounders for the values of cerebrospinal fluid proteins in Parkinson's disease and related disorders
Authors: Mollenhauer Brit , Parnetti Lucilla , Rektorova Irena , Kramberger Milica G. , Pikkarainen Maria , Schulz‐Schaeffer Walter J. , Aarsland Dag , Svenningsson Per , Farotti Lucia , Verbeek Marcel M. , Schlossmacher Michael G.
Published: October 2015

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been extensively studied to explore biochemical alterations in subjects with neurodegenerative disorders. In Alzheimer's disease, levels of increased CSF tau protein and decreased levels of β‐amyloid 1–42 (Aβ42) have been shown to correlate with brain plaque formation and tangle pathology. Intracellular Lewy inclusions containing aggregated α‐synuclein (α‐syn) represent a pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). In most – but not all – studies published to date total CSF α‐syn concentrations have been found to be decreased in disorders related to α‐syn pathology, that is, PD, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy. However, these reports show extensive signal overlap among tested individuals, thereby diminishing its potential for routine use in clinical practice.

To investigate potential biological (i.e., non‐technical) confounders of reported CSF levels for α‐syn, Aβ42, and tau in PD and related disorders, we carried out a methodical review of known factors that underlie signal variability and speculate on those that have not yet been tested. We discuss several biological factors, such as neuropathology, demographics, clinical phenotype, progression and duration of disease, concomitant illnesses and, last but not least, pharmacotherapy, which in isolation or combination can substantially alter values for CSF proteins of interest. Enhanced implementation of standardized clinical protocols, streamlined operating procedures, and further progress in the development of validated assays for CSF proteins have the potential to (i) inform us as to the pathogenesis of disease, (ii) support the laboratory‐based diagnosis for symptomatic subjects in the future, and (iii) facilitate breakthrough therapies to alter the course of neurodegenerative disorders, such as PD and Alzheimer's disease.

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Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been extensively studied to explore biochemical alterations in subjects with neurodegenerative disorders. To investigate potential biological confounders of reported CSF levels for α‐synuclein (α‐Syn), amyloid‐β 1‐42(Aβ42) and tau protein in Parkinson's disease and related disorders, we reviewed the current literature for known factors that underlie signal variability and speculate on those that have not yet been tested.

This article is part of a special issue on Parkinson disease.
Neonatal Nicotine Exposure Leads to Hypothalamic Gliosis in Adult Overweight Rats
Authors: Younes‐Rapozo V. , Moura E. G. , Manhães A. C. , Pinheiro C. R. , Carvalho J. C. , Barradas P. C. , de Oliveira E. , Lisboa P. C.
Published: October 2015

Astrocytes and microglia, the immune competent cells of central nercous system, can be activated in response to metabolic signals such as obesity and hyperleptinaemia. In rats, maternal exposure to nicotine during lactation leads to central obesity, hyperleptinaemia, leptin resistance and alterations in hypothalamic neuropeptides in the offspring during adulthood. In the present study, we studied the activation of astrocytes and microglia, as well as the pattern of inflammatory mediators, in adult offspring of this experimental model. On postnatal day 2 (P2), osmotic minipumps releasing nicotine (NIC) (–6 mg/kg/day) or saline for 14 days were s.c. implanted in dams. Male offspring were killed on P180 and hypothalamic immunohistochemistry, retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (WAT) polymerase chain reaction analysis and multiplex analysis for plasma inflammatory mediators were carried out. At P180, NIC astrocyte cell number was higher in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) (medial: +82%; lateral: +110%), in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) (+144%) and in the lateral hypothalamus (+121%). NIC glial fibrillary acidic protein fibre density was higher in the lateral ARC (+178%) and in the PVN (+183%). Interleukin‐6 was not affected in the hypothalamus. NIC monocyte chemotactic protein 1 was only higher in the periventricular nucleus (+287%). NIC microglia (iba‐1‐positive) cell number was higher (+68%) only in the PVN, as was the chemokine (C‐X3‐C motif) receptor 1 density (+93%). NIC interleukin‐10 was lower in the WAT (−58%) and plasma (−50%). Thus, offspring of mothers exposed to nicotine during lactation present hypothalamic astrogliosis at adulthood and microgliosis in the PVN.