bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Type I Interferon Response Determines Differences in Choroid Plexus Susceptibility between Newborns and Adults in Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis
Authors: Wilcox Douglas R. , Folmsbee Stephen S. , Muller William J. , Longnecker Richard
Published: April 2016

Newborns are significantly more susceptible to severe viral encephalitis than adults, with differences in the host response to infection implicated as a major factor. However, the specific host signaling pathways responsible for differences in susceptibility and neurologic morbidity have remained unknown. In a murine model of HSV encephalitis, we demonstrated that the choroid plexus (CP) is susceptible to herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) early in infection of the newborn but not the adult brain. We confirmed susceptibility of the CP to HSV infection in a human case of newborn HSV encephalitis. We investigated components of the type I interferon (IFN) response in the murine brain that might account for differences in cell susceptibility and found that newborns have a dampened interferon response and significantly lower basal levels of the alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) receptor (IFNAR) than do adults. To test the contribution of IFNAR to restricting infection from the CP, we infected IFNAR knockout (KO) adult mice, which showed restored CP susceptibility to HSV-1 infection in the adult. Furthermore, reduced IFNAR levels did not account for differences we found in the basal levels of several other innate signaling proteins in the wild-type newborn and the adult, including protein kinase R (PKR), that suggested specific regulation of innate immunity in the developing brain. Viral targeting of the CP, a region of the brain that plays a critical role in neurodevelopment, provides a link between newborn susceptibility to HSV and long-term neurologic morbidity among survivors of newborn HSV encephalitis.

IMPORTANCE
Compared to adults, newborns are significantly more susceptible to severe disease following HSV infection. Over half of newborn HSV infections result in disseminated disease or encephalitis, with long-term neurologic morbidity in 2/3 of encephalitis survivors. We investigated differences in host cell susceptibility between newborns and adults that contribute to severe central nervous system disease in the newborn. We found that, unlike the adult brain, the newborn choroid plexus (CP) was susceptible early in HSV-1 infection. We demonstrated that IFN-α/β receptor levels are lower in the newborn brain than in the adult brain and that deletion of this receptor restores susceptibility of the CP in the adult brain. The CP serves as a barrier between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid and plays a role in proper neurodevelopment. Susceptibility of the newborn choroid plexus to HSV-1 has important implications in viral spread to the brain and, also, in the neurologic morbidity following HSV encephalitis.
Comprehensive Transcriptome Profiles of Streptococcus mutans UA159 Map Core Streptococcal Competence Genes
Authors: Khan R. , Rukke H. V. , Høvik H. , Åmdal H. A. , Chen T. , Morrison D. A. , Petersen F. C.
Published: April 2016

S. mutans
has the hard surfaces of the oral cavity as its natural habitat, where it depends on its ability to form biofilms in order to survive. The comprehensive identification of
S. mutans
regulons activated in response to peptide pheromones provides an important basis for understanding how
S. mutans
can transition from individual to social behavior. Our study placed 27 of the 29 transcripts activated during competence within three major regulons and revealed a core set of 27 panstreptococcal competence-activated genes within the SigX regulon.
Tennis injury data from The Championships, Wimbledon, from 2003 to 2012
Authors: McCurdie I , Smith S , Bell P H , Batt M E
Published: April 2016

Objective

The primary aims of this retrospective study were to describe the burden of injury presenting to the medical team and the changes in injury profile over 10 years (2003–2012) at The Championships, Wimbledon. Secondary aims included description of gender difference in rates, distribution and pathology of injuries.

Design

Retrospective observational cohort of player injury presentations over 10 years (2003–2012) at The Championships, Wimbledon.

Results

The overall rate of presentation of injury for all players over the 10-year period was 20.7 per 1000 sets played. Injury rates were lower for male players (17.7 injuries per 1000 sets played) than female players (23.4 injuries per 1000 sets played). There was variability in the numbers of injuries reported by men and women players over the 10-year period.

Conclusions

The rates of presentation of injury at this Grand Slam tennis tournament varied between male and female players, and between years. More robust systems of data collection are required in professional tennis to enable more sophisticated injury data analysis between sexes, years and different playing surfaces.
Coproduction of healthcare service
Authors: Batalden Maren , Batalden Paul , Margolis Peter , Seid Michael , Armstrong Gail , Opipari-Arrigan Lisa , Hartung Hans
Published: April 2016

Efforts to ensure effective participation of patients in healthcare are called by many names—patient centredness, patient engagement, patient experience. Improvement initiatives in this domain often resemble the efforts of manufacturers to engage consumers in designing and marketing products. Services, however, are fundamentally different than products; unlike goods, services are always ‘coproduced’. Failure to recognise this unique character of a service and its implications may limit our success in partnering with patients to improve health care. We trace a partial history of the coproduction concept, present a model of healthcare service coproduction and explore its application as a design principle in three healthcare service delivery innovations. We use the principle to examine the roles, relationships and aims of this interdependent work. We explore the principle's implications and challenges for health professional development, for service delivery system design and for understanding and measuring benefit in healthcare services.
Assessing content validity and user perspectives on the Team Check-up Tool: expert survey and user focus groups
Authors: Marsteller Jill A , Hsu Yea-Jen , Chan Kitty S , Lubomski Lisa H
Published: April 2016

Objective

This study assesses content validity and user feedback on the Team Check-up Tool (TCT), an instrument used for measuring dynamic context of quality improvement (QI) teams and their implementation of QI activities.

Methods

We conducted two focus groups and one larger feedback session with TCT users to assess feasibility, importance of areas of inquiry and barriers to use. A panel of eight QI experts evaluated the item-by-item content (content validity) of TCT by rating the relevance of each item to implementation success. We calculated item-level and scale-level content validity using the content validity index (CVI).

Results

Scale-level CVI was 0.872. Highly rated items included implementation of recommended interventions, educational activities, team review of performance data, team sharing of performance data with staff and specific barriers to progress. Four items were rated relatively low: presentation of performance data to the hospital/health system board; manner of provision of feedback of data to staff; to what other units the team attempted to spread and turnover of QI team members. Items identified in user focus groups as important included whether there were events distracting staff from the initiative, number of team meetings and turnover of QI team members. Focus groups also identified barriers to the completion of the tool, including lack of feedback and response fatigue during stable activity periods.

Conclusion

The findings support the conclusion that the TCT measures meaningful areas of context and implementation in team-based QI initiatives, particularly intervention activity tracking, review and sharing of performance data and team progress barriers. We offer a modified instrument with a framework for real-time measurement of important elements of implementation and context of QI teams based on the findings.
Comparison of oxygen uptake during cycle ergometry with and without functional electrical stimulation in patients with COPD: protocol for a randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial
Authors: Medrinal Clément , Prieur Guillaume , Debeaumont David , Robledo Quesada Aurora , Combret Yann , Quieffin Jean , Contal Olivier , Lamia Bouchra
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has systemic repercussions that can lead to peripheral muscle dysfunction. Muscle atrophy reduces aerobic capacity, greatly limiting activities of daily living and quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation is the gold standard treatment for these patients, however, patients may not be able to reach sufficient training intensities for benefits to occur. Technologies such as functional electrical stimulation (FES) are currently being adapted and tested to enhance exercise training. We hypothesise that FES coupled with cycling (FES-cycling) will improve maximal uptake of oxygen (VO2) and aerobic capacity more than endurance training with placebo stimulation.

Methods

A randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial will be carried out to evaluate the effects of FES-cycling on VO2during endurance exercise on a cycle ergometer in patients with COPD. 25 patients with COPD will carry out two 30 min sessions at a constant load; one session with active and one with placebo FES. The primary outcome is oxygen uptake recorded with a metabolic measurement system. Secondary outcomes include ventilation equivalent for oxygen, ventilation equivalent for carbon dioxide, cardiac output, lactate values, perceived dyspnoea and perceived muscle fatigue.

Results and conclusions

Approval has been granted by our Institutional Review Board (Comité de Protection des Personnes Nord-Ouest 3). The results of the trial will be presented at national and international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT02594722.
Exercise therapy in primary biliary cirrhosis: the importance of moving while sitting on a surgical waiting list—a case study
Authors: Hallsworth Kate , Jopson Laura , Jones David E , Trenell Michael I
Published: April 2016

Background

It is being increasingly recognised that reduced cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with poorer outcomes after major surgery. Exercise limitation and reduced aerobic capacity are common in people with end-stage liver disease. There is limited evidence about the role of exercise therapy in the management of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and no studies have looked at the effect of exercise in people with PBC who are awaiting liver transplantation. This case study is the first to report that personalised exercise therapy improves cardiorespiratory fitness in a patient with PBC without worsening symptoms of severe fatigue.

Methods

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in a patient with end-stage PBC prior to listing for transplantation. A personalised exercise programme was designed to improve cardiorespiratory fitness while the patient was on the transplant waiting list.

Results

Anaerobic threshold, VO2PEAKand maximum workload all improved with regular exercise. Fatigue levels remained unaltered.

Conclusions

This patient tolerated and adhered to a personalised exercise programme for a prolonged period of time while awaiting surgery despite significant fatigue and disease burden. Liver transplantation was successfully completed and this woman remains well over 2 years post-surgery.
Low progression of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms with worrisome features and high-risk stigmata undergoing non-operative management: a mid-term follow-up analysis
Authors: Crippa Stefano , Bassi Claudio , Salvia Roberto , Malleo Giuseppe , Marchegiani Giovanni , Rebours Vinciane , Levy Philippe , Partelli Stefano , Suleiman Shadeah L , Banks Peter A , Ahmed Nazir , Chari Suresh T , Fernández-del Castillo Carlos , Falconi Massimo
Published: April 2016

Objective

To evaluate mid-term outcomes and predictors of survival in non-operated patients with pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) with worrisome features or high-risk stigmata as defined by International Consensus Guidelines for IPMN. Reasons for non-surgical options were physicians’ recommendation, patient personal choice or comorbidities precluding surgery.

Methods

In this retrospective, multicentre analysis, IPMNs were classified as branch duct (BD) and main duct (MD), the latter including mixed IPMNs. Univariate and multivariate analysis for overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were obtained.

Results

Of 281 patients identified, 159 (57%) had BD-IPMNs and 122 (43%) had MD-IPMNs; 50 (18%) had high-risk stigmata and 231 (82%) had worrisome features. Median follow-up was 51 months. The 5-year OS and DSS for the entire cohort were 81% and 89.9%. An invasive pancreatic malignancy developed in 34 patients (12%); 31 had invasive IPMNs (11%) and 3 had IPMN-distinct pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (1%). Independent predictors of poor DSS in the entire cohort were age >70 years, atypical/malignant cyst fluid cytology, jaundice and MD >15 mm. Compared with MD-IPMNs, BD-IPMNs had significantly better 5-year OS (86% vs 74.1%, p=0.002) and DSS (97% vs 81.2%, p<0.0001). Patients with worrisome features had better 5-year DSS compared with those with high-risk stigmata (96.2% vs 60.2%, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

In elderly patients with IPMNs that have worrisome features, the 5-year DSS is 96%, suggesting that conservative management is appropriate. By contrast, presence of high-risk stigmata is associated with a 40% risk of IPMN-related death, reinforcing that surgical resection should be offered to fit patients.
Trends in violence in England and Wales 2010–2014
Authors: Sivarajasingam Vaseekaran , Page Nicholas , Wells John , Morgan Peter , Matthews Kent , Moore Simon , Shepherd Jonathan
Published: April 2016

Background

The National Violence Surveillance Network (NVSN) of emergency departments (ED), minor injuries units and walk-in-centres in England and Wales has brought clarity to contradictory violence trends derived from crime survey and police data. Gender, age-specific and regional trends in violence-related injury in England and Wales since 2010 have not been studied.

Methods

Data on violence-related injury were collected from a structured sample of 151 EDs in England and Wales. ED attendance date and age and gender of patients who reported injury in violence from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014 were identified from attendance codes, specified at the local level. Time series statistical methods were used to detect both regional and national trends.

Results

In total, 247 016 (178 709 males: 72.3%) violence-related attendances were identified. Estimated annual injury rate across England and Wales was 4.4/1000 population (95% CI 3.9 to 4.9); males 6.5/1000 (95% CI 5.6 to 7.2) and females 2.4/1000 (95% CI 2.1 to 2.6). On average, overall attendances decreased by 13.8% per year over the 5 years (95% CI −14.8 to −12.1). Attendances decreased significantly for both genders and all age groups (0–10, 11–17, 18–30, 31–50, 51+ years); declines were greatest among children and adolescents. Significant decreases in violence-related injury were found in all but two regions. Violence peaked in May and July.

Conclusions

From an ED perspective, violence in England and Wales decreased substantially between 2010 and 2014, especially among children and adolescents. Violence prevention efforts should focus on regions with the highest injury rates and during the period May–July.
High levels of cathepsin D and cystatin B are associated with increased risk of coronary events
Authors: Gonçalves Isabel , Hultman Karin , Dunér Pontus , Edsfeldt Andreas , Hedblad Bo , Fredrikson Gunilla Nordin , Björkbacka Harry , Nilsson Jan , Bengtsson Eva
Published: April 2016

Objective

The majority of acute coronary syndromes are caused by plaque ruptures. Proteases secreted by macrophages play an important role in plaque ruptures by degrading extracellular matrix proteins in the fibrous cap. Matrix metalloproteinases have been shown to be markers for cardiovascular disease whereas the members of the cathepsin protease family are less studied.

Methods

Cathepsin D, cathepsin L and cystatin B were measured in plasma at baseline from 384 individuals who developed coronary events (CEs), and from 409 age-matched and sex-matched controls from the Malmö Diet and Cancer cardiovascular cohort.

Results

Cathepsin D (180 (142–238) vs 163 (128–210), p<0.001), cathepsin L (55 (44–73) vs 52 (43–67), p<0.05) and cystatin B levels (45 (36–57) vs 42 (33–52), p<0.001) were significantly increased in CE cases compared to controls. In addition, increased cathepsin D (220 (165–313) vs 167 (133–211), p<0.001), cathepsin L (61 (46–80) vs 53 (43–68), p<0.05) and cystatin B (46 (38–58) vs 43 (34–54), p<0.05) were associated with prevalent diabetes. Furthermore, cathepsin D and cystatin B were increased in smokers. The HRs for incident CE comparing the highest to the lowest tertile(s) of cathepsin D and cystatin B were 1.34 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.75) and 1.26 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.57), respectively, after adjusting for age, sex, low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio, triglycerides, body mass index, hypertension and glucose, but these associations did not remain significant after further addition of smoking to the model. In addition, cathepsin D was increased in incident CE cases among smokers after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

The associations of cathepsin D and cystatin B with future CE provide clinical support for a role of these factors in cardiovascular disease, which for cathepsin D may be of particular importance for smokers.
β-Glucan content, viscosity, and solubility of Canadian grown oat as influenced by cultivar and growing location
Authors: Herrera Mariana Perez , Gao Jun , Vasanthan Thava , Temelli Feral , Henderson Kelly
Published: April 2016

The composition and physicochemical properties of oat flour with respect to β-glucan content and its solubility and viscosity were investigated. Eight oat cultivars grown in 20 prairie locations for three consecutive years were examined in this study to establish how cultivar, growing location, and their interaction influence the abovementioned attributes. It was found that the β-glucan content was primarily influenced by oat cultivar, while growing location and the interaction between cultivar and location had minimal effect. Among the eight cultivars, HiFi had the highest β-glucan content (5.82% w/w), while Derby had the lowest (4.37% w/w). Growing location, oat cultivar, and their interaction had a significant effect on β-glucan solubility and viscosity. The β-glucan solubility differed among oat cultivars, where 28.44–34.28% of the β-glucan present in the oat flour could be solubilized at 37°C. Viscosity was evaluated by consecutive fixed speed tests at shear rates of 1.29–129 s−1. Results showed that shear rate, growing location, and cultivar affected viscosity. The flow behavior index (n) for all β-glucan dispersions indicated shear-thinning behavior. HiFi had the highest β-glucan solubility and viscosity among all the cultivars analyzed. The findings provide insight into raw material selection and variations in raw material characteristics when targeting specific oat product applications.
Starch granule size distribution from twelve wheat cultivars in east China’s Huaibei region
Authors: Li Wenyang , Yan Suhui , Shi Xiaqing , Zhang Congyu , Shao Qingqin , Xu Feng , Wang Jianfei
Published: April 2016

The granule size distribution of starch strongly influences its physicochemical properties and the functionality of wheat. Twelve wheat cultivars grown in east China’s Huanghuai region were used for investigating the granule size distribution, amylose content, and their interrelationship. The results showed that the volume distribution of starch granules show the typical bimodal with peak values in the ranges of 4.44–5.36 µm and 21.7–23.82 µm, respectively. Surface area distribution of granules was also bimodal with peak values in the ranges of 2.53–3.06 µm and 19.8–21.7 µm, respectively. The limits between the two populations both occurred at 10 µm. A typical population of number distribution of granules with peak values in the range of 0.52–0.67 µm. Proportions of granules <2.6 µm, 2.6–10 µm, and 10–40 µm were in the range of 10.06–13.63%, 28.54–41.6%, and 45.4–61.3% of total volume, respectively. Proportions of granules <10 µm were in the range of 99.9% of the total number. The amylose content was significant and negatively correlated to volume percentage of granule <10 µm, and significant and positively correlated to the volume percentage of granule 22–40 µm.
Yeti kidney bean
Authors: Khanal Raja , Rupert Terry , Navabi Alireza , Smith Thomas H. , Michaels Thomas E. , Burt Andrew J. , Pauls Karl P.
Published: April 2016

Yeti is a full-season white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar with tall bush plant architecture; high yield potential andgood cooking quality. Yeti is adapted to and recommended for the dry bean growing areas in Southwestern Ontario.
Asparagus cultivars with varying adaptation to southern Ontario differ for induction of freezing tolerance in the fall
Authors: Panjtandoust Mahmoud , Wolyn David J.
Published: April 2016

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) cultivars differ for adaptation in southern Ontario, and delayed or decreased acquisition of freezing tolerance in the fall could explain, in part, the diminished longevity observed in some germplasm. A field study was conducted to determine the relationship between LT50, the lethal temperature at which 50% of plants die, and physiological parameters related to freezing tolerance, in three cultivars with varying adaptation in southern Ontario: Guelph Millennium (GM) > Jersey Giant (JG) > UC 157 (UC). The experiment was replicated at two sites in one location, in each of two years. LT50 values for GM were lower (increased freezing tolerance) than those for UC in early October; levels for JG were intermediate. In late-October and early-November, the cultivars did not differ. Increased freezing tolerance was associated with high low-molecular-weight fructan (LF), protein and proline concentrations and low sucrose concentration in the rhizome, and high sucrose and proline concentrations and low LF concentration in the storage roots. Acclimation traits were generally consistent over years and deviations may have been related to differing temperature profiles. Results indicate that winter survival of asparagus is in part determined by timely fall acclimation allowing plants to survive exposure to early frosts.
The effects of parameter choice on defining molecular operational taxonomic units and resulting ecological analyses of metabarcoding data
Authors: Clare Elizabeth L. , Chain Frédéric J.J. , Littlefair Joanne E. , Cristescu Melania E.
Published: April 2016

The combination of DNA barcoding and high-throughput (next-generation) sequencing (metabarcoding) provides many promises but also serious challenges. Generating a reliable comparable estimate of biodiversity remains a central challenge to the application of the technology. Many approaches have been used to turn millions of sequences into distinct taxonomic units. However, the extent to which these methods impact the outcome of simple ecological analyses is not well understood. Here we performed a simple analysis of dietary overlap by skinks and shrews on Ile Aux Aigrettes, Mauritius. We used a combination of filtering thresholds and clustering algorithms on a COI metabarcoding dataset and demonstrate that all bioinformatics parameters will have interacting effects on molecular operational taxonomic unit (MOTU) recovery rates. These effects generated estimates covering two orders of magnitude. However, the effect on a simple ecological analysis was not large and, despite the wide variation in estimates of niche overlap, the same ecological conclusion was drawn in most cases. We advise that a conservative clustering programme coupled with larger sequence divergences to define a cluster, the removal of singletons, rigorous length filtering, and stringent match criteria for Molecular Identifier tags are preferable to avoid MOTU inflation and that the same parameters be used in all comparative analyses.
Exploring the thermodynamics of noncommutative scalar fields
Authors: Brito Francisco A. , Lima Elisama E. M.
Published: April 2016

We study the thermodynamic properties of the Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) in the context of the quantum field theory with noncommutative target space. Our main goal is to investigate in which temperature and/or energy regimes the noncommutativity can characterize some influence on the BEC properties described by a relativistic massive noncommutative boson gas. The noncommutativity parameters play a key role in the modified dispersion relations of the noncommutative fields, leading to a new phenomenology. We have obtained the condensate fraction, internal energy, pressure and specific heat of the system and taken ultrarelativistic (UR) and nonrelativistic (NR) limits. The noncommutative effects on the thermodynamic properties of the system are discussed. We found that there appear interesting signatures around the critical temperature.
Applicability of Extra-Local Methods for Assessing Community Resilience to Disasters : A Case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Abenayake Chethika , Yoshiki Mikami , Marasinghe Ashu , Takashi Yukawa , Masahiro Iwahashi
Published: April 2016

This paper is focused on a practice that has been widely noted in South Asia, i.e. employing extra-local methods to assess community resilience with no or minimal attempts on localising. The objective of this paper is to assess the consistency/inconsistency and concordance/discordance of resilience levels computed by different extra-local assessment methods with reference to a Sri Lankan case. Community resilience levels were computed for 40 localities with three methods utilising secondary data. Statistical analysis revealed neither strong correlation ([Formula: see text]), ([Formula: see text]) or strong reliability (ICC [Formula: see text]) among the computed resilience levels, indicating inconsistency and discordance. The findings explained how the randomly selected extra-local assessment methods could produce different values. Hence, can the resilience building decisions based on such assessment methods also be inconsistent? This study suggests decision makers should revisit the practice of employing non-localised extra-local assessment methods without addressing the context-specific resilience building needs profoundly.
Histamine and Immune Biomarkers in CNS Disorders
Authors: Cacabelos Ramón , Torrellas Clara , Fernández-Novoa Lucía , López-Muñoz Francisco
Published: April 2016

Neuroimmune dysregulation is a common phenomenon in different forms of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Cross-links between central and peripheral immune mechanisms appear to be disrupted as reflected by a series of immune markers (CD3, CD4, CD7, HLA-DR, CD25, CD28, and CD56) which show variability in brain disorders such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, migraine, epilepsy, vascular dementia, mental retardation, cerebrovascular encephalopathy, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, cranial nerve neuropathies, mental retardation, and posttraumatic brain injury. Histamine (HA) is a pleiotropic monoamine involved in several neurophysiological functions, neuroimmune regulation, and CNS pathogenesis. Changes in brain HA show an age- and sex-related pattern, and alterations in brain HA levels are present in different CNS regions of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Brain HA in neuronal and nonneuronal compartments plays a dual role (neurotrophic versus neurotoxic) in a tissue-specific manner. Pathogenic mechanisms associated with neuroimmune dysregulation in AD involve HA, interleukin-1β, and TNF-α, whose aberrant expression contributes to neuroinflammation as an aggravating factor for neurodegeneration and premature neuronal death.
Split-Dose Polyethylene Glycol Is Superior to Single Dose for Colonoscopy Preparation: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mohamed Rachid , Hilsden Robert J. , Dube Catherine , Rostom Alaa
Published: April 2016

Background. The efficacy of colonoscopy in detecting abnormalities within the colon is highly dependent on the adequacy of the bowel preparation. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of PEG lavage and split-dose PEG lavage with specific emphasis on the cleanliness of the right colon.Methods. The study was a prospective, randomized, two-arm, controlled trial of 237 patients. Patients between the age of 50 and 75 years were referred to an outpatient university screening clinic for colonoscopy. Patients were allocated to receive either a single 4 L PEG lavage or a split-dose PEG lavage.Results. Overall, the bowel preparation was superior in the split-dose group compared with the single-dose group (mean Ottawa score 3.50 ± 2.89 versus 5.96 ± 3.53;P<0.05) and resulted in less overall fluid in the colon. This effect was observed across all segments of the colon assessed.Conclusions. The current study supports use of a split-dose PEG lavage over a single large volume lavage for superior bowel cleanliness, which may improve polyp detection. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNCT01610856.
Acute and Subchronic Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Aqueous Root Extract of Dicoma anomala Sond. in Wistar Rats
Authors: Balogun Fatai Oladunni , Tom Ashafa Anofi Omotayo
Published: April 2016

The present study evaluated the safety of aqueous root extract of Dicoma anomala (AQRED) through acute and subchronic toxicity studies. Single oral dose of AQRED at the concentration of 0, 5, 300, and 2000 mg/kg as well as 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day was administered to rats for 14‐day acute and 90‐day subchronic oral toxicity studies. The results revealed no mortalities or observed clinical signs of toxicity in all the rats during both investigation periods. In subchronic toxicity testing, administration of AQRED also did not cause any changes in body weight as well as food and water consumption patterns. The haematological parameters and blood chemistry revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the treatment and the control except in platelet count, alkaline phosphatase, and sodium levels where there was a significant increase (p < 0.05), although there was also a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and creatinine when compared to control. However, these changes were not reflecting the results from histology. Conclusively, the obtained results suggested that the LD50 of AQRED is in excess of 2000 mg/kg and its oral administration for 90 days revealed that it is unlikely to be toxic, hence, safe.
Implant-Prosthetic Rehabilitation in Bilateral Agenesis of Maxillary Lateral Incisors with a Mini Split Crest
Authors: Figliuzzi M. M. , Giudice A. , Pileggi S. , Pacifico D. , Marrelli M. , Tatullo M. , Fortunato L.
Published: April 2016

The reported clinical case describes the surgical procedure of ridge augmentation by using a “split crest” technique with a partial thickness flap and a subsequent implant-prosthetic rehabilitation aimed at treating a bilateral agenesis of the upper lateral incisors. In such cases with vestibule-palatal and mesial-distal scarce bone thicknesses associated with the need of a proper functional and aesthetic rehabilitation, the split crest technique is particularly suitable. In the case we reported, because of the poor bone thicknesses, we performed a minimally invasive split crest which allowed a correct insertion of the fixtures. This technique allowed us to achieve an optimal functional and aesthetic rehabilitation; moreover, we obtained a good emergency profile, ensuring the vitality of the close teeth and ensuring a good primary stability and the following osseointegration of dental implants.
Ultrasound Assessment of Synovial Thickness of Some of the Metacarpophalangeal Joints of Hand in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients and the Normal Population
Authors: Hussain Manik Zuhudha , George John , Sockalingam Sargunan
Published: April 2016

Objective. To compare ultrasound synovial thickness of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPJ) in a group of patients with proven rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a control group of normal individuals.Materials and Methods. This is a cross-sectional study comprising 30 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 30 healthy individuals. Ultrasound scans were performed at the dorsal side of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th MCPJ of both hands in RA patients and the healthy individuals. Synovial thickness was measured according to quantitative method. The synovial thickness of RA patients and healthy individuals was compared and statistical cut-off was identified.Results. Maximum synovial thickness was most often detected at the radial side of the 2nd MCPJ and 3rd MCPJ and ulnar side of the 4th MCPJ of both hands which is significantly higher (p<0.05) in RA patients compared to healthy individuals. With high specificity (96%) and sensitivity (90%) the optimum cut-off value to distinguish RA patients and healthy individuals’ synovial thickness differs for the radial side of the 2nd and 3rd MCPJ and ulnar side of the 4th MCPJ.Conclusion. Patients with early RA appear to exhibit a characteristic pattern of synovitis which shows radial side predominance in the 2nd and 3rd MCPJ and ulnar side in the 4th MCPJ.
A Novel Chemically Modified Curcumin “Normalizes” Wound-Healing in Rats with Experimentally Induced Type I Diabetes: Initial Studies
Authors: Zhang Yazhou , McClain Steve A. , Lee Hsi-Ming , Elburki Muna S. , Yu Huiwen , Gu Ying , Zhang Yu , Wolff Mark , Johnson Francis , Golub Lorne M.
Published: April 2016

Introduction. Impaired wound-healing in diabetics can lead to life-threatening complications, such as limb amputation, associated in part with excessive matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) mediated degradation of collagen and other matrix constituents. In the current study, a novel triketonic chemically modified curcumin, CMC2.24, was tested for efficacy in healing of standardized skin wounds in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Initially, CMC2.24 was daily applied topically at 1% or 3% concentrations or administered systemically (oral intubation; 30 mg/kg); controls received vehicle treatment only. Over 7 days, the diabetics exhibited impaired wound closure, assessed by gross and histologic measurements, compared to the nondiabetic controls. All drug treatments significantly improved wound closure with efficacy ratings as follows: 1% 2.24 > systemic 2.24 > 3% 2.24 with no effect on the severe hyperglycemia. In subsequent experiments, 1% CMC2.24 “normalized” wound-healing in the diabetics, whereas 1% curcumin was no more effective than 0.25% CMC2.24, and the latter remained 34% worse than normal. MMP-8 was increased 10-fold in the diabetic wounds and topically applied 1% (but not 0.25%) CMC2.24 significantly reduced this excessive collagenase-2; MMP-13/collagenase-3 did not show significant changes. Additional studies indicated efficacy of 1% CMC2.24 over more prolonged periods of time up to 30 days.
Evaluation of Spontaneous Pneumothorax Surgeries: A 16-Year Experience in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Ryo
Published: April 2016

Background.Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is the surgical procedure of choice for spontaneous pneumothorax due to its noninvasiveness and convenience. A higher recurrence rate with thoracoscopic bullectomy (TB) than that after traditional thoracotomy (TT) led us to adopt thoracoscopic double-loop ligation (TLL) as our standard procedure in 1998. This study compares the effectiveness and safety of these 3 operative procedures.Methods.Patients who underwent their first surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax at our hospital between January 1994 and December 2010 were included. Patients with a history of surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax, those with special clinical conditions such as lymphangioleiomyomatosis, or those with catamenial, traumatic, or iatrogenic pneumothorax were excluded.Results.A total of 777 males (14–91 years old; 814 pneumothorax sides), and 96 females (16–78 years old; 99 pneumothorax sides) were included in the study. TT was performed in 137 patients (143 sides), TB in 106 patients (112 sides), and TLL in 630 patients (658 sides). The postoperative recurrence rates were 3.5%, 16.1%, and 5.3% in the TT, TB, and TLL groups, respectively (p<0.0001). Mean blood loss and operating time were lowest for TLL.Conclusions.The results suggest that TLL should be the surgical procedure of choice for spontaneous pneumothorax.
The Effect of Salt Solutions and Absorption Cycles in the Capillary and Drying Coefficient of Red Brick Samples with Different Joints
Authors: Guimarães A. S. , Delgado J. M. P. Q. , de Freitas V. P. , Albuquerque A. P.
Published: April 2016

Rising damp can reduce building’s aesthetical value, comfort, and health mark when combined with the existence of soluble salts in the building components and in the ground water can even lead to material decomposition and compromise its structural performance. This research work intended to study the effect of different absorption cycles of two saturated solutions of sodium sulphate and potassium chloride in the capillary absorption curves obtained through the partial immersion of red brick samples without and with different joints. The results revealed significant differences in the capillary coefficients obtained when samples were tested with salt solutions. In the end of this paper an evaluation of the drying kinetics was presented for all the tested samples. Four different first-order kinetics models, available in the literature, were adjusted to describe the drying process and the results point that the Page and Logarithmic models allow the best fit. The apparent molecular diffusion coefficient for solid red brick samples saturated with different solutions and joints was also estimated.
The Effect of Exercise Training on Mediators of Inflammation in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
Authors: Meneses-Echávez Jose F. , Correa-Bautista Jorge E. , González-Jiménez Emilio , Schmidt Río-Valle Jacqueline , Elkins Mark R. , Lobelo Felipe , Ramírez-Vélez Robinson
Published: April 2016

Several sources of evidence indicate that exercise during and after breast cancer could positively modulate the tumor microenvironment. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effects of exercise training on mediators of inflammation in breast cancer survivors. We searched for randomized controlled trials published from January 1990 to March 2014. An inverse variance method of meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model in the presence of statistical heterogeneity. Eight high-quality trials (n = 478) were included. Exercise improved the serum concentrations of IL6 [weighted mean difference (WMD) = −0.55 pg/mL; 95% confidence interval (CI), −1.02 to −0.09], TNFα (WMD = −0.64 pg/mL; 95% CI, −1.21 to −0.06), IL8 (MD = −0.49 pg/mL; 95% CI, −0.89 to −0.09), and IL2 (WMD = 1.03 pg/mL; 95% CI, 0.40 to 1.67). No significant differences were found in the serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (WMD = −0.15; 95% CI, −0.56 to 0.25) or IL10 (WMD = 0.41; 95% CI, −0.18 to 1.02). Exercise training positively modulates chronic low-grade inflammation in women with breast cancer, which may impact upon carcinogenic mechanisms and the tumor microenvironment. These findings align with the other positive effects of exercise for breast cancer survivors, reinforcing the appropriateness of exercise prescription in this population. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(7); 1009–17. ©2016 AACR.
Neutrophils Suppress Intraluminal NK Cell–Mediated Tumor Cell Clearance and Enhance Extravasation of Disseminated Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Spiegel Asaf , Brooks Mary W. , Houshyar Samin , Reinhardt Ferenc , Ardolino Michele , Fessler Evelyn , Chen Michelle B. , Krall Jordan A. , DeCock Jasmine , Zervantonakis Ioannis K. , Iannello Alexandre , Iwamoto Yoshiko , Cortez-Retamozo Virna , Kamm Roger D. , Pittet Mikael J. , Raulet David H. , Weinberg Robert A.
Published: April 2016

Immune cells promote the initial metastatic dissemination of carcinoma cells from primary tumors. In contrast to their well-studied functions in the initial stages of metastasis, the specific roles of immunocytes in facilitating progression through the critical later steps of the invasion–metastasis cascade remain poorly understood. Here, we define novel functions of neutrophils in promoting intraluminal survival and extravasation at sites of metastatic dissemination. We show that CD11b+/Ly6G+ neutrophils enhance metastasis formation via two distinct mechanisms. First, neutrophils inhibit natural killer cell function, which leads to a significant increase in the intraluminal survival time of tumor cells. Thereafter, neutrophils operate to facilitate extravasation of tumor cells through the secretion of IL1β and matrix metalloproteinases. These results identify neutrophils as key regulators of intraluminal survival and extravasation through their cross-talk with host cells and disseminating carcinoma cells.

Significance: This study provides important insights into the systemic contributions of neutrophils to cancer metastasis by identifying how neutrophils facilitate intermediate steps of the invasion–metastasis cascade. We demonstrate that neutrophils suppress natural killer cell activity and increase extravasation of tumor cells. Cancer Discov; 6(6); 630–49. ©2016 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 561
MicroRNA-124 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor by Regulating CDH2 and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ma Teng , Zhao Ye , Wei Ke , Yao Guoliang , Pan Chunfeng , Liu Bin , Xia Yang , He Zhicheng , Qi Xiaotong , Li Zhi , Wang Jun , Shao Yongfeng
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: Abnormal expression of microRNA-124 (miR-124) was found in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the association between miR-124 and CDH2 has not been reported yet. This study aims to reveal the inhibiting effects of miR-124 on the expression of CDH2 in NSCLC. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression of miR-124 and CDH2 in NSCLC tissues. Cell viability, apoptosis and invasion assays were carried out in NSCLC cell lines after transfection. The regulation mechanism was confirmed by luciferase report assay and western blot (WB). Results: Significantly decreased expression of miR-124 was found in NSCLC specimens and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-124 apparently suppressed the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cell lines in vitro. Luciferase report assay and WB revealed that CDH2 was a target gene of miR-124. Furthermore, results of WB showed that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) could be inhibited by up-regulation of miR-124. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings present the first evidence that miR-124 could suppress the expression of CDH2 and regulate EMT, which might lead to a potential therapeutic strategy focusing on miR-124 and CDH2 for human lung cancer.
A Systematic Review to Define the Speech and Language Benefit of Early (<12 Months) Pediatric Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Bruijnzeel Hanneke , Ziylan Fuat , Stegeman Inge , Topsakal Vedat , Grolman Wilko
Published: April 2016

Objective: This review aimed to evaluate the additional benefit of pediatric cochlear implantation before 12 months of age considering improved speech and language development and auditory performance. Materials and Methods: We conducted a search in PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL databases and included studies comparing groups with different ages at implantation and assessing speech perception and speech production, receptive language and/or auditory performance. We included studies with a high directness of evidence (DoE). Results: We retrieved 3,360 articles. Ten studies with a high DoE were included. Four articles with medium DoE were discussed in addition. Six studies compared infants implanted before 12 months with children implanted between 12 and 24 months. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 9 years. Cochlear implantation before the age of 2 years is beneficial according to one speech perception score (phonetically balanced kindergarten combined with consonant-nucleus-consonant) but not on Glendonald auditory screening procedure scores. Implantation before 12 months resulted in better speech production (diagnostic evaluation of articulation and phonology and infant-toddler meaningful auditory integration scale), auditory performance (Categories of Auditory Performance-II score) and receptive language scores (2 out of 5; Preschool Language Scale combined with oral and written language skills and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test). Conclusions: The current best evidence lacks level 1 evidence studies and consists mainly of cohort studies with a moderate to high risk of bias. Included studies showed consistent evidence that cochlear implantation should be performed early in life, but evidence is inconsistent on all speech and language outcome measures regarding the additional benefit of implantation before the age of 12 months. Long-term follow-up studies are necessary to provide insight on additional benefits of early pediatric cochlear implantation.
Clinical and Molecular Analysis of Klebsiella pneumoniae Causing Liver Abscess in China
Authors: Sun Yunfang , Wu Hua , Shen Dingxia
Published: April 2016

Objective: Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) has been characterized as the major pathogen associated with the development of liver abscesses. Although the prevalence of K. pneumoniae in liver abscesses in Chinese patients is on the rise, methods for the early laboratory identification and recognition of hvKP are lacking, and hvKP detection and surveillance are thus limited. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 240 patients with cultures that were positive for K. pneumoniae, who were hospitalized in the Hospital of Beijing area from May 2013 to August 2014. The clinical and molecular characteristics of K. pneumoniae strains that cause liver abscesses were studied. Thirty-eight (16.7%) of 240 patients positive for K. pneumoniae cultures had liver abscesses. Results: Among these K. pneumoniae isolates, 92.1% (35/38) and 84.2% (32/38) were rmpA and aerobactin (abc) positive, respectively, as indicated by multiplex PCR, while 81.6% (31/38) were string test positive. Intriguingly, K. pneumoniae isolates that were positive for rmpA, abc, or string test accounted for almost all isolates (97.3%; n = 37/38) and thus were defined as hvKP in this study. Based on the new criteria for hvKP, none of these hvKP strains were positive for extended spectrum β-lactamases. Conclusions: Compared to the string test alone, integrating rmpA and abc detection with the string test is robuster and more extensive in the identification of liver abscess-causing hvKP strains. Multiplex PCR assays may therefore accelerate the early laboratory detection of hvKP.