bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome After Renal Transplant: A Simple Solution for a Complicated Patient
Authors: Haughey David , Narsipur Sriram S.
Published: September 2014

Background: Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by an acute neurologic dysfunction coupled with characteristic findings on brain imaging. PRES occurs in the setting of hypertensive emergencies, eclampsia and as a neurotoxic effect of immunosuppressive agents. While overwhelmingly reversible without residual deficits when promptly recognized, vague symptomatology may delay the diagnosis of PRES. Results/Summary: A 50-year-old man who had undergone a recent kidney transplant was admitted to our clinic due to multiple episodes of seizure. He had no prior history of seizures or alcoholism. His transplantation had been without complication; he was discharged and given prednisone, tacrolimus, mycophenolate, acyclovir, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, atenolol and enalapril. On the day of presentation, he experienced a severe headache, blurred vision and tonic-clonic seizure-like activity. His neurologic examination was limited by sedation, although no focal deficits were evident. Laboratory studies were unremarkable. A lumbar puncture revealed normal opening pressure, negative Gram stain, benign CSF analysis and India ink preparation. An MRI of the brain revealed bilateral enhancing parietal-occipital lesions, seen prominently on FLAIR sequence. Tacrolimus and all other medications were continued. The patient remained afebrile and normotensive and was extubated on the second hospital day. The patient reported no neurologic symptoms and was discharged on the third hospital day after a full recovery. Conclusions: While the outcome of PRES is typically benign, a delay in diagnosis may lead to permanent neurologic deficits, and misdiagnosis can be lethal. The cornerstone of treatment is removal of the offending agent or treatment of the underlying etiology. A clinical picture of headache, visual abnormalities, altered mentation and seizures is sufficient to prompt an empiric discontinuation of agents known to cause PRES. Calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus are known to cause PRES, and in our patient, discontinuation led to a complete clinical resolution.
Predictive Factors for Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Loibl Sibylle , von Minckwitz Gunter , Untch Michael , Denkert Carsten , on behalf of the German Breast Group C.
Published: September 2014

SummaryWithin 2 decades, neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) has become a standard treatment option in breast cancer. The advantage of NAT is the ability to monitor the treatment effect. Pathological complete response (pCR) after NAT is a very good predictor for long-term outcome. Clinical factors, such as age and body mass index, as well as recently identified biomarkers can predict the chance of achieving a pCR. Hormone-receptor status, proliferation markers, immune infiltrates and genetic alterations, such as germline BRCA and PIK3CA, can now be measured almost on a routine basis due to the decreased analysis costs.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a Chinese Population: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xiao Yi , Deng Tao-Ran , Su Chang-Liang , Shang Zhen
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackground: Although many epidemiologic studies have investigated the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms and their association with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. To clarify the effects of MTHFR polymorphisms on the risk of ALL, a meta-analysis was performed in a Chinese population. Materials and Methods: A computerized literature search was carried out in PubMed, the Chinese Biomedicine (CBM) database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) platform, and the Wanfang database (Chinese) to collect relevant articles. Results: A total of 11 articles including 1,738 ALL cases and 2,438 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, a significantly decreased association was found between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and ALL risk when all studies in Chinese populations were pooled into the meta-analysis. In subgroup analyses stratified by age, ethnicity, and source of controls, the same results were observed in children, in population-based studies, and in people with no stated ethnicity. However, a significantly increased association was also found for MTHFR C677T in hospital-based studies, and for MTHFR A1298C in people with no stated ethnicity. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms may be potential biomarkers for ALL risk in Chinese populations, and studies with a larger sample size and wider population spectrum are required before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
An Open-Label Pilot Study of Homeopathic Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Youth
Authors: Brulé David , Sule Lauren , Landau-Halpern Beth , Nastase Violeta , Jain Umesh , Vohra Sunita , Boon Heather
Published: September 2014

Background: An open-label pilot study of individualized homeopathy for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was conducted to assess the potential for future studies with a focus on the feasibility of the recruitment plan and outcome measure schedules; identification of any group characteristics of participants who respond significantly to the therapy; and establishing the length of time required for an improvement in ADHD symptoms. Patients and Methods: Participants (aged 6-16) were recruited through community advertisement and outreach. Participants completed 1 screening and 9 individualized homeopathic follow-up consultations. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the Conners 3 - Parent Questionnaire administered at each consultation. The pre- and post-study difference in Conners Global Index - Parent (CGI-P) T-score was evaluated for each participant. Baseline data of those who showed a statistically significant improvement (responders) were compared to those who did not (non-responders). Results: 35 participants were enrolled over 11 months. 80% completed all 10 consultations in a median of 12.1 months. 63% had a statistically significant improvement in the primary outcome, first occurring after a mean of 4.5 visits. Overall scores for participants completing at least 2 data points decreased from a baseline median of 85.5 to 74.0 (p < 0.001, CI 95%). There were no significant baseline differences between responders and non-responders. No serious adverse events related to the therapy were reported. Conclusion: The change in the median CGI-P T-score from baseline to the end of this open-label pilot study was statistically significant. The research methods are feasible. Future studies are warranted. Trial registration: NCT01141634.
Atorvastatin Reduces the Proadhesive and Prothrombotic Endothelial Cell Phenotype Induced by Cocaine and Plasma From Cocaine Consumers In Vitro
Authors: Sáez Claudia G. , Pereira-Flores Karla , Ebensperger Roberto , Panes Olga , Massardo Teresa , Hidalgo Patricia , Mezzano Diego , Pereira Jaime
Published: September 2014

Objective—

Cocaine consumption is a risk factor for vascular ischemic complications. Although endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis have been observed in cocaine consumers, the mechanisms underlying their pathogenesis are not fully understood. This study aimed at identifying the effects of atorvastatin in relation to a proadhesive and prothrombotic phenotype induced by cocaine and plasma from chronic cocaine users on endothelial cells.

Approach and Results—

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to either cocaine or platelet-free plasma (PFP) from chronic cocaine consumers in the presence or absence of 10 μmol/L of atorvastatin. Atorvastatin significantly reduced the enhanced platelet adhesion that was induced by cocaine and PFP from chronic cocaine consumers, as well as the release of the von Willebrand factor. Atorvastatin also avoided striking alterations on cell monolayer structure triggered by both stimuli and enhanced NO reduction because of cocaine stimulation through disrupting interactions between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and caveolin-1, thus increasing eNOS bioavailability. Cocaine-increased tissue factor–dependent procoagulant activity and reactive oxygen species generation were not counteracted by atorvastatin. Although monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels were not significantly higher than controls either under cocaine or PFP stimulation, atorvastatin completely avoided monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 release in both conditions. Platelets stimulated with cocaine or PFP did not express P-selectin, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, or CD40L and failed to adhere to resting human umbilical vein endothelial cell.

Conclusions—

Cocaine and patient plasma equally induced a proadhesive and prothrombotic phenotype in endothelial cells, except for von Willebrand Factor release, which was only induced by PFP from chronic cocaine consumers. Atorvastatin improved endothelial cell function by reducing cocaine-induced and PFP from chronic cocaine consumer–induced effects on platelet adhesion, cell architecture, and NO production.
Mitochondrial Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Plays Protective Roles in Heart Failure After Myocardial Infarction via Suppression of the Cytosolic JNK/p53 Pathway in Mice
Authors: Sun Aijun , Zou Yunzeng , Wang Ping , Xu Danling , Gong Hui , Wang Shijun , Qin Yingjie , Zhang Peng , Chen Yunqin , Harada Mutsuo , Isse Toyoshi , Kawamoto Toshihiro , Fan Huizhi , Yang Pengyuan , Akazawa Hiroshi , Nagai Toshio , Takano Hiroyuki , Ping Peipei , Komuro Issei , Ge Junbo
Published: September 2014

Background

Increasing evidence suggests a critical role for mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (
ALDH
2) in protection against cardiac injuries; however, the downstream cytosolic actions of this enzyme are largely undefined.

Methods and Results

Proteomic analysis identified a significant downregulation of mitochondrial
ALDH
2 in the heart of a rat heart failure model after myocardial infarction. The mechanistic insights underlying
ALDH
2 action were elucidated using murine models overexpressing
ALDH
2 or its mutant or with the ablation of the

ALDH
2

gene (

ALDH
2

knockout) and neonatal cardiomyocytes undergoing altered expression and activity of
ALDH
2. Left ventricle dilation and dysfunction and cardiomyocyte death after myocardial infarction were exacerbated in

ALDH
2

‐knockout or
ALDH
2 mutant‐overexpressing mice but were significantly attenuated in
ALDH
2‐overexpressing mice. Using an anoxia model of cardiomyocytes with deficiency in
ALDH
2 activities, we observed prominent cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increased accumulation of the reactive aldehyde 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4‐
HNE
). We subsequently examined the impacts of mitochondrial
ALDH
2 and 4‐
HNE
on the relevant cytosolic protective pathways. Our data documented 4‐
HNE
‐stimulated p53 upregulation via the phosphorylation of
JNK
, accompanying increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis that was attenuated by inhibition of p53. Importantly, elevation of 4‐
HNE
also triggered a reduction of the cytosolic
HSP
70, further corroborating cytosolic action of the 4‐
HNE
instigated by downregulation of mitochondrial
ALDH
2.

Conclusions

Downregulation of
ALDH
2 in the mitochondria induced an elevation of 4‐
HNE
, leading to cardiomyocyte apoptosis by subsequent inhibition of
HSP
70, phosphorylation of
JNK
, and activation of p53. This chain of molecular events took place in both the mitochondria and the cytosol, contributing to the mechanism underlying heart failure.
Varieties of Openness and Religious Commitment in India
Authors: Kamble Shanmukh V. , Watson P. J. , Marigoudar Savitri , Chen Zhuo
Published: September 2014

The Religious Openness Hypothesis argues that traditional religions have resources for integrating intellect with faith. In a test of this hypothesis, Hindu graduate students in India ( N = 320) responded to Hindu religious reflection, attitudes toward Hinduism, religious schema, religious orientation, and psychological openness scales. Faith and intellect oriented religious reflection correlated positively with each other and with the all three religious schemas, which also correlated directly. Linkages with attitudes toward Hinduism and intrinsic and extrinsic personal religious orientations documented the compatibility of religious reflection and schema with Hindu commitments. Associations with greater openness to experience and need for cognition confirmed their psychological openness as well. Interactions between attitudes toward Hinduism and the intrinsic orientation suggested that Hinduism had more positive influences in those who were more sincerely religious. These data from India most importantly supported the Religious Openness Hypothesis.
Peace of Mind and Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Ariyabuddhiphongs Vanchai , Pratchawittayagorn Atiwat
Published: September 2014

A Thai company organizes a weekly sermon and meditation session for its clients and members. We hypothesized that vipassana meditation's positive effects in work would be manifested in peace of mind, loving kindness, and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), that peace of mind would predict OCB, and that loving kindness would mediate the relationship of peace of mind to OCB. Peace of mind is operationally defined as the experience of inner peace and harmony; loving kindness as the thoughts, words, and acts of kindness extended to all creatures; and OCB as individual behavior that involves courtesy, civic virtue, sportsmanship, conscientiousness, and altruism. We conducted a study among 147 vipassana meditation participants; the results supported the hypotheses. Participants’ peace of mind predicted OCB and loving kindness significantly mediated the peace of mind-OCB relationship. The beneficial effects of vipassana meditation suggest its adoption by organizations to foster efficient functioning.
The Religious Meaning System and Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Krok Dariusz
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this article is to test hypotheses that meaning in life can be a mediator in the relations between religiousness expressed in terms of a meaning system and subjective well-being. Previous research on religion and well-being has left some questions unanswered. Associations of the religious meaning system and subjective well-being turn out to be complex and suggest the possibility of meaning-oriented mediators in their relations. The results obtained in the current study demonstrated that personal meaning and presence of meaning were partial mediators between the religious meaning system and the cognitive dimension of subjective well-being (i.e., life satisfaction). In contrast, search for meaning did not have a significant mediational role in those relations and there were no direct or indirect relationships between the religious meaning system and the affective dimension of subjective well-being (i.e., positive and negative affect). The findings suggest indirect relations between religiousness and well-being which are partially mediated by structures of meaning and purpose.
Paralytic strabismus and papilloedema caused by dural sinus thrombosis after bee sting
Authors: Niyaz Leyla , Gul Adem , Gungor Inci , Duran Mustafa
Published: September 2014

A patient that developed paresis of the sixth cranial nerve and bilateral papilloedema after the bee sting to the periocular area is presented. Magnetic resonance venography showed a unilateral transverse and sigmoid sinus thrombosis. The patient was successfully treated with anticoagulation and intracranial pressure lowering treatment.
Study of baseline Widal titres in a healthy adult population of Wayanad district, Kerala, India
Authors: Maulingkar Saleel V , Prakash R , Harish PV , Salabha B
Published: September 2014

The Widal test is still widely used in diagnosing typhoid fever in developing countries. Often, specific chemotherapy is administered based on a single Widal test. Interpretation of a single Widal test, in turn, depends on the baseline agglutinin titres among the local population in that area. Hence, we aimed to find out the baseline titres in our area. A single blood sample was collected from hospital outpatients with non-infectious diseases, the patients being aged above 18 years and residing in Wayanad district continuously for at least 5 years. The test was performed according to the Widal test kit manufacturer’s instructions and interpreted using standard guidelines. The baseline titre for Anti TO, TH, AH and BH agglutinins in our area was found to be 1:40, 1:80, 1:40 and 1:40, respectively.
Perceptual decision-making in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Djamshidian Atbin , O’Sullivan Sean S , Lawrence Andrew D , Foltynie Thomas , Aviles-Olmos Iciar , Magdalinou Nadia , Tomassini Alessandro , Warner Thomas T , Lees Andrew J , Averbeck Bruno B
Published: September 2014

Impulsive choice and poor information sampling have been found to be key behavioural mechanisms linked to impulse control disorders (ICDs) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Perceptual decision-making is intimately related to information sampling. Therefore, we wanted to determine whether dopaminergic medication or ICDs influence perceptual decision-making in PD. All participants performed two tasks. One was a simple reaction time task, where subjects needed to respond as quickly as possible. The second was a perceptual decision-making task, in which participants had to estimate whether a stimulus contained either more red or more blue pixels. We tested three groups of patients, one treated with levodopa monotherapy, one additionally treated with dopamine agonists, and a third group had ICDs. Results were compared to healthy controls. We found that all patients made more errors than controls. Further, patients with ICDs responded fastest on the reaction time task and also in incorrect trials on the perceptual decision-making task. Similarly, patients with dopamine agonists responded faster than those on levodopa monotherapy and controls. Our results demonstrate that all patients have deficits in perceptual decision-making. However, patients treated with dopamine agonists closely resembled patients with ICDs.
Adolescent marijuana users have elevated risk-taking on the balloon analog risk task
Authors: Hanson Karen L , Thayer Rachel E , Tapert Susan F
Published: September 2014

Objective:

Adolescents who engage in regular marijuana use may have a higher propensity to take unsafe risks despite the possible negative consequences. We compared adolescents with a history of regular marijuana use to non-using teens on a behavioral measure of risk-taking. Given the involvement of the pre-frontal cortex in both risk-taking and executive functioning, we also examined whether risk-taking was associated with measures of executive functioning.

Method:

Fifty-eight demographically similar community youth (ages 17–20; 29% female), including 24 marijuana users and 34 non-using controls, completed the computerized Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART; Lejuez et al., 2002) and measures of substance use and executive function. Primary BART outcome measures included total number of popped balloons and average adjusted pumps (mean pumps excluding popped balloons).

Results:

Marijuana users had more popped balloons than controls ( p<0.05) but did not differ on average adjusted pumps. Using hierarchical multiple regression controlling for age, riskier BART performance (popped balloons) was predictive of past 18-month hard drug use (β=0.30; p<0.05). Having a higher number of popped balloons was also predictive of past 18-month marijuana use ( p<0.05), but age was a stronger predictor than marijuana use. Marijuana users performed worse on one test of executive functioning (psychomotor set-shifting, p<0.05), but this did not correlate with risk-taking.

Conclusions:

Our finding of elevated risk-taking among marijuana users is consistent with previous research that substance users may have impaired risk processing. Further, our results suggest that risk-taking is not always associated with executive dysfunction, implying the involvement of distinct neural subsystems.
Frequency of EGFR mutations in lung adenocarcinoma with malignant pleural effusion: Implication of cancer biological behaviour regulated by EGFR mutation
Authors: Zou JianYong , Bella Amos Ela , Chen ZhenGuang , Han XiangQian , Su ChunHua , Lei YiYan , Luo HongHe
Published: September 2014

Objective

A retrospective single-centre study to compare the clinical features of patients with lung adenocarcinoma with and without epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.

Methods

Pretreatment medical records of patients with lung adenocarcinoma were reviewed. DNA was extracted from paraffin wax-embedded tumour tissue for analysis of EGFR mutations. Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) was diagnosed by cytopathological testing of pleural fluid.

Results

EGFR mutations (19-Del and L858R) were recorded in 81/283 patients (28.6%). MPE was found in 42/283 patients (14.8%). In patients with stage IV disease, the frequency of EGFR mutations was higher in those with MPE than in those without MPE. EGFR mutations were independently associated with female sex, no history of smoking and presence of MPE.

Conclusions

There was a positive association between EGFR mutation and the presence of MPE. EGFR mutations may play an important role in the formation of MPE.
Association between exposure to hepatitis B virus and chronic kidney disease in China
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Gong Yan , Dong Shengyong , Xiang Hang , Wu Qiang
Published: September 2014

Objective

Hospital-based, cross-sectional study to determine whether exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV) has an independent effect on the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Han Chinese adults undergoing routine physical examinations were recruited. Blood was tested for the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, HBV surface antigen, and antibodies against HBV core antigen and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 or presence of albuminuria.

Results

The prevalence of HBV exposure was 42.1% (6 418/15 259 participants). There were no significant associations between HBV or HCV status and CKD, low eGFR or albuminuria.

Conclusion

There was no association between exposure to HBV and the risk of developing CKD in this Chinese study population.
There Are No “Innocent Victims”
Authors: Vonderhaar Rebecca L. , Carmody Dianne Cyr
Published: September 2014

Utilizing data from an online survey of 979 university students, this study explores the relationship between prior sexual assault victimization experiences, belief in a just world, and acceptance of rape myths. Results indicated that men, younger respondents, and those with less education were more likely to support rape myths. Support for just world beliefs and rape myths were also positively associated, while rape victims exhibited less support for rape myths than non-victims. Implications for future studies are discussed.
Feedrate optimization and trajectory control for micro/nanopositioning systems with confined contouring accuracy
Authors: Bharathi Akilan , Dong Jingyan
Published: September 2014

This article focuses on identifying and fully utilizing the dynamic capabilities of a nanopositioning system to optimally trace a given trajectory. This work develops a framework for abstracting the capabilities of the piezo-actuated nanopositioning systems and a methodology for using these capabilities to generate an optimal trajectory for a particular tool path on a given nanopositioning system while satisfying all the process-related requirements. Several dynamic capabilities of a typical nanopositioning system are identified and modeled as the constraints to drive the optimization problem. First, the velocity and acceleration capabilities of each individual axes are constrained by developing a simplified dynamic model of the performance envelope, which couple velocity and acceleration capabilities of each axis, as a function of displacement. Second, input command bandwidth constraints are introduced to mitigate frequency-related tracking difficulties encountered when traversing sharp geometric features at high velocity. Finally, the accuracy requirement is satisfied by developing a dynamic model of the instantaneous following error to estimate the contour error as a function of the velocity and acceleration at each moment. The above constraints are incorporated into a computationally efficient two-pass algorithm to generate a minimum time feedrate profile for a particular positioning system for any given trajectory. Linear zigzag and cubic spline airfoil trajectories are used to demonstrate the significant improvements in time and contouring accuracy realized through such an approach.
Machinability comparison of AISI 4340 and Ti-6Al-4V under cryogenic and hybrid cooling environments: A knowledge engineering approach
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Khalid A , Iqbal Asif , Hussain Ghulam
Published: September 2014

Efficient removal of heat from the deformation zones in machining of difficult-to-cut materials is vital for attaining viability with respect to cost and productivity. The recently embraced heat removal and lubrication methods include applications of cryogenic fluids and minimum quantity of lubrication. This article presents an experimental investigation, complemented with a fuzzy modeling approach, for comparing the efficacies of using various combinations of CO2 snow and minimum quantity of lubrication in machining two tempers each of AISI 4340 and Ti-6Al-4V. In addition, cutting speed and feed rate are also included as predictor parameters, and their effects on tool damage, machining forces, and specific cutting energy consumption are evaluated. A total of 144 experimental runs are performed for developing the fuzzy knowledge–based model, and additional 20 experiments are conducted for testing its prediction accuracy. The model is also made capable of suggesting optimal settings of the cutting parameters and the most appropriate choice of cooling against various combinations of the objectives. In a nutshell, the cooling option of applying CO2 snow at the rake and flank faces of the tool proved beneficial for machining the titanium alloy while the option of using CO2 snow at the flank face and minimum quantity of lubrication at the rake face outshone the others in the case of the alloy steel. This article claims novelty with regard to machinability comparison of AISI 4340 and Ti-6Al-4V, application of cryogenic cooling to machining of hardened steels, investigation of hybrid cooling (CO2 snow plus minimum quantity of lubrication), and intelligent modeling of cryogenic machining of AISI 4340 and Ti-6Al-4V combined.
Osteoarthritis of the Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint Associated With Hallux Valgus Deformity
Authors: Lee Kyung Tai , Park Young Uk , Jegal Hyuk , Young Ki Won , Kim Jin Su , Lim Seong Yeon
Published: September 2014

Background:

Hallux valgus is speculated to increase the load on the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, possibly inducing degenerative osteoarthritis. In addition, the severity of arthritis may be correlated with the severity of hallux valgus. This study evaluated the association of arthritis of the second MTP joint in hallux valgus patients and the relationship between arthritis of the second MTP joint and hallux valgus deformity.

Methods:

A total of 382 patients (509 feet) underwent surgery for symptomatic hallux valgus deformities by the 2 senior authors (KTL, YUP) from November 2011 to December 2012. A total of 54 patients (61 feet), all female, were included in the osteoarthritis (OA) group. The rest were assigned to the nonosteoarthritis (NOA) group. There were 328 patients (448 feet) consisting of 16 men and 432 women. Osteoarthritis patients were then evaluated and classified according to joint space narrowing (JSN) and osteophyte (OP) formation. A statistical analysis was conducted to compare the 2 groups in terms of their hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), hypermobility of the first metatarsal ray, the length of the second metatarsal bone, and the length ratio of the first and second metatarsal bones. Correlation coefficients were calculated to compare the severity of hallux valgus and the degree of osteoarthritis of the second MTP joint.

Results:

The IMA of the OA group was 16.2 ± 2.9 degrees, and that of the NOA group was 15.4 ± 3.3 degrees ( P = .034, Mann-Whitney U test). The DMAA of the OA group was 18.2 ± 8.3 degrees, and that of the NOA group was 16.1 ± 8.0 degrees ( P = .029, Mann-Whitney U test). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of the HVA, hypermobility, the length of the second metatarsal bone, and the length ratio of the second and first metatarsal bones. In the OA group, there was a positive correlation between the HVA and the degree of osteoarthritis (osteophyte formation) (ɣ = 0.278, P = .030). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the IMA and the degree of osteoarthritis (ɣ = 0.284 [JSN], 0.327 [OP] for the HVA, P = .026 [JSN], .010 [OP]). However, there was no significant difference between hypermobility and the degree of osteoarthritis ( P = .356 [JSN], .635 [OP], Mann-Whitney U test). Furthermore, there were no positive correlations between the DMAA, the length of the second metatarsal bone, and the metatarsal length ratio.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated a positive correlation between HVA, IMA, and osteoarthritis of the second MTP joint. Other studies will be needed to determine the factors that are responsible for this correlation.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Topical Punch
Authors: Suran Melissa , Holton Avery E. , Coleman Renita
Published: September 2014

Although scholars explore how news stories’ framing elements may affect reader responses, they have yet to examine how the topics of health-related articles affect those responses. By content analyzing three US newspapers’ online health content and reader comments, this study finds that certain health topics are idiosyncratic with reader responses. Readers reacted to personal health and obesity news with more episodic and gain-framed comments but relied more on loss frames when discussing chronic health issues. Readers also used more thematic frames in comments about mental illness. Health coverage related to politics and the government was associated with fewer episodic comments.
Exploring pre-service classroom teachers’ reflections on teaching physical education
Authors: Tsangaridou Niki , Polemitou Irene
Published: September 2014

The aim of the current study was to provide descriptions of the nature of pre-service primary teachers’ reflection during their student teaching experience. The principal research question that guided the investigation was ‘what do these pre-service classroom teachers reflect on during their teaching and how is this reflection related to their practice?’ Five pre-service classroom teachers voluntarily participated in the study. Data collection consisted of written journals and documents (unit and lesson plans), which were analysed inductively via individual-case and cross-case analysis (Patton, 2002). Findings suggested that the participants’ reflection addressed pedagogical, pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), content, and social issues of teaching. Based on our findings, we concluded that it is possible for prospective teachers to develop and demonstrate different dimensions of reflection during their teaching. Implications for teacher educators are discussed in light of the results.
Strategies for Obtaining Probability Samples of Homeless Youth
Authors: Golinelli Daniela , Tucker Joan S. , Ryan Gery W. , Wenzel Suzanne L.
Published: September 2014

Studies of homeless individuals typically sample subjects from few types of sites or regions within a metropolitan area. This article focuses on the biases that can result from such a practice. We obtained a probability sample of 419 homeless youth from 41 sites (shelters, drop-in centers, and streets) in four regions of Los Angeles County (LAC). We found that restricting the frame to only certain types of sites or geographic regions biased the sample in terms of demographic and background characteristics as well as rates of risky behaviors. For example, homeless youth who can be found in shelters (vs. those who do not use shelters) and Hollywood (vs. other regions of LAC) tend to be younger, minorities, and engage less in risky behaviors. Recommendations are provided for evaluating the trade-offs between bias and cost in selecting a sampling strategy for studies of homeless individuals.
Public Opinion and Judicial Behavior in Direct Democracy Systems: Gay Rights in the American States
Authors: Lewis Daniel C. , Wood Frederick S. , Jacobsmeier Matthew L.
Published: September 2014

Although the U.S. judiciary is designed to be an independent and counter-majoritarian arbiter of the law, many states feature electoral institutions that may expose judges to public pressure. Scholars have demonstrated that judicial elections provide a clear link between public opinion and judicial decision making that may undermine the ability of courts to act in counter-majoritarian ways to protect minority rights. We extend this line of inquiry by examining whether direct democracy institutions have a similar effect of enhancing the impact of public opinion on judicial behavior and reducing the likelihood of judges voting in favor of minority rights. Empirical results from an analysis of gay rights cases in the American states from 1981 to 2004 provide evidence that direct democracy, in conjunction with electoral retention methods, significantly increases the effect of public opinion on judicial decisions.
IL-10 immunodepletion from meningococcal sepsis plasma induces extensive changes in gene expression and cytokine release in stimulated human monocytes
Authors: Gopinathan Unni , Brusletto Berit Sletbakk , Olstad Ole Kristoffer , Kierulf Peter , Berg Jens Petter , Brandtzaeg Petter , Øvstebø Reidun
Published: September 2014

The severity of systemic meningococcal disease (SMD) correlates to plasma concentrations of LPS and IL-10, with the highest levels detected in non-survivors. Here, plasma from patients with SMD containing high and low concentrations of LPS were incubated with human monocytes before and after immunodepletion of IL-10 to study the effect of IL-10 on gene expression and cytokine release. Patient plasma containing IL-10 induced the expression of 1657 genes in human monocytes when compared with gene expression induced by low LPS plasma. After immunodepletion of IL-10, this number increased to 2260. By directly comparing the gene expression profiles induced before and after immunodepletion of IL-10, the presence of IL-10 differentially regulated 373 genes. Functional classes associated with these genes were cellular function and maintenance, cellular development, cellular growth and proliferation, cell–cell signaling and interaction and cellular movement. Immunodepletion of IL-10 resulted in down-regulation of genes of the leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor family, and up-regulation of genes of type I IFN signaling, TLR signaling, the inflammasomes, coagulation and fibrinolysis. Finally, immunodepletion of IL-10 increased the protein levels of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, MIP-1α and MIP-1β. Data suggest that IL-10 in meningococcal sepsis plasma regulates a variety of genes and signaling pathways, likely leading to an overall inhibitory effect on the inflammatory response induced in meningococcal sepsis.
Outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty After Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Steinhoff Amy K. , Bugbee William D.
Published: September 2014

Background:

Fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is an effective treatment for osteochondral defects. Some patients require further surgical intervention, such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The effects of prior OCA transplantation on TKA outcomes are unknown.

Purpose:

This study evaluated TKA failure rates after long-term follow-up and identified factors that may have contributed to an inferior outcome. Its aims were to (1) assess if having a prior OCA transplantation would increase the surgical complications of the subsequent TKA, (2) measure the infection and failure rates following TKA, (3) ascertain subjective outcomes scores from patients with intact TKA at latest follow-up, and (4) identify potential factors that contributed to inferior outcomes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 35 patients who underwent TKA after OCA were identified. Pain, symptoms, function, and quality of life were evaluated using the Knee Society Function score and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Associations between outcomes scores versus total number of surgeries before TKA were assessed using Spearman correlation. Patient characteristics (age, sex, total OCA area, presentation of osteoarthritis, and number of surgeries before TKA) were calculated between failures and nonfailures.

Results:

For patients with TKA surviving at latest follow-up (n = 24), mean follow-up time was 9.2 ± 4.3 years after TKA and 16.1 ± 5.2 years after OCA. While TKA after OCA did not present a technical challenge in the operating room, there was a high failure rate (31.4%). Activities of daily living, as measured on KOOS, were negatively correlated with total number of surgeries before TKA (ρ2 = –0.5, P = .041). Patient age and number of surgeries before TKA influenced the failure rate, while sex and OCA area did not appear to be factors associated with inferior outcomes.

Conclusion:

Patients with multiple knee operations before TKA were more likely to experience functional limitations or TKA failure. The patients who experienced TKA failure were part of a challenging subset of young patients treated with numerous orthopaedic procedures, and while these patients had inferior results with TKA after OCA, the OCA transplantation extended the time before a TKA was required without adding surgical complications.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Authors: Brodsky Robert A.
Published: September 2014

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare bone marrow failure disorder that manifests with hemolytic anemia, thrombosis, and peripheral blood cytopenias. The absence of two glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins, CD55 and CD59, leads to uncontrolled complement activation that accounts for hemolysis and other PNH manifestations. GPI anchor protein deficiency is almost always due to somatic mutations in phosphatidylinositol glycan class A (PIGA), a gene involved in the first step of GPI anchor biosynthesis; however, alternative mutations that cause PNH have recently been discovered. In addition, hypomorphic germ-line PIGA mutations that do not cause PNH have been shown to be responsible for a condition known as multiple congenital anomalies-hypotonia-seizures syndrome 2. Eculizumab, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that inhibits terminal complement, is the treatment of choice for patients with severe manifestations of PNH. Bone marrow transplantation remains the only cure for PNH but should be reserved for patients with suboptimal response to eculizumab.
A phase 1/2 study of an adjuvanted varicella-zoster virus subunit vaccine in autologous hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: Stadtmauer Edward A. , Sullivan Keith M. , Marty Francisco M. , Dadwal Sanjeet S. , Papanicolaou Genovefa A. , Shea Thomas C. , Mossad Sherif B. , Andreadis Charalambos , Young Jo-Anne H. , Buadi Francis K. , El Idrissi Mohamed , Heineman Thomas C. , Berkowitz Elchonon M.
Published: September 2014

Key Points

HCT recipients have increased susceptibility to herpes zoster, but live-attenuated vaccines are not appropriate for highly immunocompromised people. An adjuvanted subunit vaccine against herpes zoster elicits strong immune responses with an acceptable safety profile in adult autologous HCT recipients.
Controlled morphology and optical properties of n-type porous silicon: effect of magnetic field and electrode-assisted LEF
Authors: Antunez Edgar E , Campos Jose , Basurto Miguel A , Agarwal Vivechana
Published: September 2014

Fabrication of photoluminescent n-type porous silicon (nPS), using electrode-assisted lateral electric field accompanied with a perpendicular magnetic field, is reported. The results have been compared with the porous structures fabricated by means of conventional anodization and electrode-assisted lateral electric field without magnetic field. The lateral electric field (LEF) applied across the silicon substrate leads to the formation of structural gradient in terms of density, dimension, and depth of the etched pores. Apart from the pore shape tunability, the simultaneous application of LEF and magnetic field (MF) contributes to a reduction of the dimension of the pores and promotes relatively more defined pore tips as well as a decreased side-branching in the pore walls of the macroporous structure. Additionally, when using magnetic field-assisted etching, within a certain range of LEF, an enhancement of the photoluminescence (PL) response was obtained.
Arima hot spring waters as a deep-seated brine from subducting slab
Authors: Kusuda Chiho , Iwamori Hikaru , Nakamura Hitomi , Kazahaya Kohei , Morikawa Noritoshi
Published: September 2014

Non-volcanic hot springs are generally believed to originate through circulation of meteoric or buried sea water heated at depth. In this study, we report the geochemical characteristics of the Arima and Takarazuka hot spring waters, known as Arima-type deep brine, in a forearc region of southwestern Japan. We examine 14 water samples to determine the levels of 12 solute elements or components and the isotopic ratios of H, He, C, O, and Sr, and we perform correlation analysis of the data to deduce the source materials and origin of the deep brine. Moreover, we perform numerical modeling of oxygen and hydrogen isotopic fractionation along subducting slabs to examine the composition of slab-derived fluid as a possible candidate of the deep brine. The results suggest that the high salinity and solute concentrations with characteristic oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and strontium isotope compositions, as well as high 3He/4He ratios, can be explained by a dehydrated component of the subducted Philippine Sea slab. Hence, this study may provide an invaluable understanding of geofluid processes over a significant depth range.
Allelic mapping bias in RNA-sequencing is not a major confounder in eQTL studies
Authors: Panousis Nikolaos I , Gutierrez-Arcelus Maria , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T , Lappalainen Tuuli
Published: September 2014

Background

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is the current gold-standard method to quantify gene expression for expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) studies. However, a potential caveat in these studies is that RNA-seq reads carrying the non-reference allele of variant loci can have lower probability to map correctly to the reference genome, which could bias gene quantifications and cause false positive eQTL associations. In this study, we analyze the effect of this allelic mapping bias in eQTL discovery.

Results

We simulate RNA-seq read mapping over 9.5 M common SNPs and indels, with 15.6% of variants showing biased mapping rate for reference versus non-reference reads. However, removing potentially biased RNA-seq reads from an eQTL dataset of 185 individuals has a very small effect on gene and exon quantifications and eQTL discovery. We detect only a handful of likely false positive eQTLs, and overall eQTL SNPs show no significant enrichment for high mapping bias.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that RNA-seq quantifications are generally robust against allelic mapping bias, and that this does not have a severe effect on eQTL discovery. Nevertheless, we provide our catalog of putatively biased loci to allow better controlling for mapping bias to obtain more accurate results in future RNA-seq studies.
Global loss of DNA methylation uncovers intronic enhancers in genes showing expression changes
Authors: Blattler Adam , Yao Lijing , Witt Heather , Guo Yu , Nicolet Charles M , Berman Benjamin P , Farnham Peggy J
Published: September 2014

Background

Gene expression is epigenetically regulated by a combination of histone modifications and methylation of CpG dinucleotides in promoters. In normal cells, CpG-rich promoters are typically unmethylated, marked with histone modifications such as H3K4me3, and are highly active. During neoplastic transformation, CpG dinucleotides of CG-rich promoters become aberrantly methylated, corresponding with the removal of active histone modifications and transcriptional silencing. Outside of promoter regions, distal enhancers play a major role in the cell type-specific regulation of gene expression. Enhancers, which function by bringing activating complexes to promoters through chromosomal looping, are also modulated by a combination of DNA methylation and histone modifications.

Results

Here we use HCT116 colorectal cancer cells with and without mutations in DNA methyltransferases, the latter of which results in a 95% reduction in global DNA methylation levels. These cells are used to study the relationship between DNA methylation, histone modifications, and gene expression. We find that the loss of DNA methylation is not sufficient to reactivate most of the silenced promoters. In contrast, the removal of DNA methylation results in the activation of a large number of enhancer regions as determined by the acquisition of active histone marks.

Conclusions

Although the transcriptome is largely unaffected by the loss of DNA methylation, we identify two distinct mechanisms resulting in the upregulation of distinct sets of genes. One is a direct result of DNA methylation loss at a set of promoter regions and the other is due to the presence of new intragenic enhancers.
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A2 modulates development of cranial cartilage and angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Kjaer-Sorensen Kasper , Engholm Ditte H. , Jepsen Malene R. , Morch Maria G. , Weyer Kathrin , Hefting Louise L. , Skov Louise L. , Laursen Lisbeth S. , Oxvig Claus
Published: September 2014

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A2 (PAPP-A2, pappalysin-2) is a large metalloproteinase, known to be required for normal postnatal growth and bone development in mice. We here report the detection of zebrafish papp-a2 mRNA in chordamesoderm, notochord, and lower jaw of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, and that papp-a2 knockdown embryos display broadened axial mesoderm, notochord bends, and severely reduced cranial cartilages. Genetic data link these phenotypes to insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (Igfbp-3) and Bmp signaling, and biochemical analysis show specific Igfbp-3 proteolysis by Papp-a2, implicating Papp-a2 in the modulation of Bmp signaling by Igfbp-3 proteolysis. Knockdown of papp-a2 additionally resulted in angiogenesis defects, strikingly similar to previous observations in embryos with mutations in components of the Notch system. Concordantly, we find that Notch signaling is modulated by Papp-a2 in vivo, and, furthermore, that PAPP-A2 is capable of modulating Notch signaling independently of its proteolytic activity in cell culture. Based on these results, we conclude that Papp-a2 modulates Bmp and Notch signaling by independent mechanisms in zebrafish embryos. In conclusion, these data link pappalysin function in zebrafish to two different signaling pathways outside the IGF system.