bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extravasation Mucocele Arising from a Lingual Thyroglossal Duct Remnant
Authors: Nakahira Mitsuhiko , Nakatani Hiroaki
Published: March 2015

Although a thyroglossal duct cyst is a congenital anomaly, it can also appear in adults. Despite the presence of embryological remnants, it is still unclear why the cyst should suddenly develop later in life. We report a case of a 46-year-old male with an extravasation mucocele arising from a long-standing lingual thyroglossal duct remnant. MRI demonstrated a lingual cystic lesion near the hyoid bone associated with a suprahyoid tract-like structure masquerading as a thyroglossal duct cyst. However, histopathological examination demonstrated a mucocele secondary to a rupture of a thyroglossal duct remnant with numerous intramural heterotopic salivary glands. We propose a new mechanism of an acquired cystic formation of this congenital disease that excessive production of mucus from heterotopic salivary glands and a physical trauma such as swallowing may lead to extravasation of mucus from the thyroglossal duct.
A Novel Variable Index and Excision CFAR Based Ship Detection Method on SAR Imagery
Authors: Ji Kefeng , Xing Xiangwei , Zou Huanxin , Sun Jixiang
Published: March 2015

When applying the constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detector to ship detection on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, multiple interferers such as upwelling, breaking waves, ambiguities, and neighboring ships in a dense traffic area will degrade the probability of detection. In this paper, we propose a novel variable index and excision CFAR (VIE-CFAR) based ship detection method to alleviate the masking effect of multiple interferers. Firstly, we improve the variable index (VI) CFAR with an excision procedure, which censors the multiple interferers from the reference cells. And then, the paper integrates the novel CFAR concept into a ship detection scheme on SAR imagery, which adopts the VIE-CFAR to screen reference cells and the distribution to derive detection threshold. Finally, we analyze the performances of the VIE-CFAR under different environments and validate the proposed method on both ENVISAT and TerraSAR-X SAR data. The results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms other existing detectors, especially in the presence of multiple interferers.
Preclinical Evaluation of the Immunomodulatory Properties of Cardiac Adipose Tissue Progenitor Cells Using Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Direct Comparative Study
Authors: Perea-Gil Isaac , Monguió-Tortajada Marta , Gálvez-Montón Carolina , Bayes-Genis Antoni , Borràs Francesc E. , Roura Santiago
Published: March 2015

Cell-based strategies to regenerate injured myocardial tissue have emerged over the past decade, but the optimum cell type is still under scrutiny. In this context, human adult epicardial fat surrounding the heart has been characterized as a reservoir of mesenchymal-like progenitor cells (cardiac ATDPCs) with potential clinical benefits. However, additional data on the possibility that these cells could trigger a deleterious immune response following implantation are needed. Thus, in the presented study, we took advantage of the well-established low immunogenicity of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCBMSCs) to comparatively assess the immunomodulatory properties of cardiac ATDPCs in anin vitroallostimulatory assay using allogeneic mature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs). Similar to UCBMSCs, increasing amounts of seeded cardiac ATDPCs suppressed the alloproliferation of T cells in a dose-dependent manner. Secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (IL6, TNFα, and IFNγ) was also specifically modulated by the different numbers of cardiac ATDPCs cocultured. In summary, we show that cardiac ATDPCs abrogate T cell alloproliferation upon stimulation with allogeneic mature MDDCs, suggesting that they could further regulate a possible harmful immune responsein vivo. Additionally, UCBMSCs can be considered as valuable tools to preclinically predict the immunogenicity of prospective regenerative cells.
Clinical Features of Primary Vein Grafts in Free Tissue Transfers
Authors: Nemoto Mitsuru , Kumazawa Kenichi , Uchinuma Eiju , Kounoike Natsuko , Takeda Akira
Published: March 2015

The outcomes of free tissue transfers combined with vein grafts have been inconsistent, and discussions continue regarding their appropriate use. Of the 142 free tissue transfers that we performed from January 2004 to December 2011, we retrospectively analyzed 15 consecutive patients who underwent free tissue transfers in combination with vein grafts. Etiologies included trauma (8 patients), infection (4), and tumor (3). Types of free tissue transfers were fibula (4), anterolateral thigh (3), groin (3), jejunum (3), latissimus dorsi (1), and dorsal pedis (1). Vein grafts were used for the artery (6), vein (2), or both (7). The donor veins were the saphenous vein (12) and the external jugular vein (3). The mean length of the grafted veins was 10.8 cm (range: 4–18 cm). Even though complications of congestion occurred in 2 patients, these flaps survived by reexploration. The flap success rate was 15 of 15 (100%) of vein grafted free flaps versus 124 of 127 (97.6%) of free flaps not requiring vein grafts. To improve the success rate of free tissue transfers combined with vein grafts, securing healthy recipient vessels, meticulous surgical handling, a reliable vascular anastomosis technique, and strict postoperative monitoring are crucial.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of By-Products fromHaliotis discus hannaiin RAW 264.7 Cells
Authors: Rho Ho-Seok , Kim Hyang , Kim Jung-Ae , Karadeniz Fatih , Ahn Byul-Nim , Nam Ki-Ho , Seo Youngwan , Kong Chang-Suk
Published: March 2015

Several reports promoted the potential of shellfish due to their ability to act as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents. Pacific abalone,Haliotis discus hannaiviscera is, reported to possess bioactivities such as antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory. In this study, anti-inflammatory potential of mucus-secreting glands from shell-shucking waste ofH. discus hannaiwas evaluated using RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell model. Results indicated that presence ofH. discus hannaimucosubstance by-products (AM) significantly lowered the nitric oxide (NO) production along the expressional suppression of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and enzymes iNOS and COX-2. Also, AM was shown to increase expression of anti-inflammatory response mediator HO-1. Presence of AM also scavenged the free radicalsin vitro. In conclusion, by-products ofH. discus hannaiare suggested to possess notable anti-inflammatory potential which promotes the possibility of utilization as functional food ingredient.
Magnetic Properties and AC Losses in AFe2O4(A = Mn, Co, Ni, Zn) Nanoparticles Synthesized from Nonaqueous Solution
Authors: Yelenich Oleksandr , Solopan Sergii , Kolodiazhnyi Taras , Tykhonenko Yuliya , Tovstolytkin Alexandr , Belous Anatolii
Published: March 2015

Nanosized particles of AFe2O4(A = Mn, Co, Ni, or Zn) spinel ferrites were synthesized by coprecipitation from nonaqueous solutions using nitrate salts as starting reagents. The particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and magnetic measurements. Quasistatic magnetic measurements show superparamagnetic behavior with blocking temperature below room temperature for cobalt, nickel, and zinc spinel ferrite nanoparticles. Characteristic magnetic parameters of the particles including average magnetic moment of an individual nanoparticle and blocking temperature have been determined. The specific loss power which is released on the exposure of an ensemble of synthesized particles to a magnetic field is calculated and measured experimentally. It is shown that among all nanoferrites under study, the ZnFe2O4nanoparticles demonstrate the highest heating efficiency in AC magnetic fields. The key parameters responsible for the heating efficiency in AC magnetic field have been determined. The directions to enhance the SLP value have been outlined.
Ultrafast Probe of Carrier Diffusion and Nongeminate Processes in a Single CdSSe Nanowire
Authors: Eldridge Peter S. , Blake Jolie C. , Gundlach Lars
Published: March 2015

We measure ultrafast carrier dynamics in a single CdSSe nanowire at different excitation fluences using an ultrafast Kerr-gated microscope. The time-resolved emission exhibits a dependence on excitation fluence, with the onset of the emission varying on the picosecond time scale with increasing laser power. By fitting the emission to a model for amplified spontaneous emission (ASE), we are able to extract the nonradiative carrier recombination lifetime and nongeminate recombination constant. The extracted nongeminate recombination constant suggests that our measurement technique allows the access to the nondiffusion limited recombination regime in nanowires with low carrier mobility.
Research on Mechanical Behavior of Viscoelastic Food Material in the Mode of Compressed Chewing
Authors: Lu Hui , Ma Dejun , Wang Jiasen , Yu Jinghu
Published: March 2015

The degeneration mechanism of viscoelastic food material in specific processing mode affects the formulation of food material processing technology. On the other hand, it determines the taste of food in the chewing process. The viscoelastic food material was taken as the research object, and experimental data were obtained through stress relaxation experiments and strain relaxation experiments of texture analyzer material. Based on Maxwell model and Kelvin model, describing small deformation of the nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive model, building a composite model was proposed. By making analysis and comparison between constructed composite model and Maxwell model and Kelvin model, it was verified that the constructed composite model can be better described as the mechanical behavior of viscoelastic food material under the mode of compressed chewing, which is also providing a more precise theoretical model for the processing and development of viscoelastic food material.
Effect of Different Germination Conditions on Antioxidative Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Germinated Brown Rice
Authors: Lin You-Tung , Pao Cheng-Cheng , Wu Shwu-Tzy , Chang Chi-Yue
Published: March 2015

This study investigates antioxidative activity and bioactive compounds of ungerminated brown rice (UBR) and germinated brown rice (GBR). We used two rice cultivars (Oryza sativaL.), Taiwan Japonica 9 (TJ-9) and Taichung Indica 10 (TCI-10), as the materials in our experiments. The conditions for inducing germination are soaking time in water 24, 48, or 72 h; temperature 26 or 36°C; incubation in light or darkness; and open or closed vessels, in which the antioxidative activities and bioactive compounds of GBR were determined. We found that, in order to maximize antioxidative activity and bioactive compounds, germination should be under higher temperature (36°C), long soaking time (72 h), darkness, and closed vessel. GBR contains much higher levels of antioxidative activity and bioactive compounds than ungerminated brown rice (UBR). We found a strong correlation between antioxidative activities (DPPH radical scavenging ability, reducing power, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) and bioactive compounds (γ-oryzanols, tocopherol, and tocotrienol). Higher temperature (36°C) is also conducive to the production of GABA in GBR. These results are considered very useful research references for the development of future functional foods and additives.
Lagrangian Coherent Structure Analysis of Terminal Winds: Three-Dimensionality, Intramodel Variations, and Flight Analyses
Authors: Knutson Brent , Tang Wenbo , Chan Pak Wai
Published: March 2015

We present a study of three-dimensional Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS) near the Hong Kong International Airport and relate to previous developments of two-dimensional (2D) LCS analyses. The LCS are contrasted among three independent models and against 2D coherent Doppler light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data. Addition of the velocity information perpendicular to the LIDAR scanning cone helps solidify flow structures inferred from previous studies; contrast among models reveals the intramodel variability; and comparison with flight data evaluates the performance among models in terms of Lagrangian analyses. We find that, while the three models and the LIDAR do recover similar features of the windshear experienced by a landing aircraft (along the landing trajectory), their Lagrangian signatures over the entire domain are quite different—a portion of each numerical model captures certain features resembling those LCS extracted from independent 2D LIDAR analyses based on observations.
Recurrence of Prostate Cancer with Cutaneous Metastasis after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Patel Parth , Patel Jay , Siddiqui Sameer
Published: March 2015

While cutaneous metastases are already extremely rare in primary metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma, cutaneous manifestations in recurrent prostate cancer have rarely been described prior to this report. Here we present the case report of a 93-year-old male who underwent radical prostatectomy but eventually suffered from a previously undescribed recurrence of prostatic adenocarcinoma with distant cutaneous metastases to proximal right lower leg.
Competitive Adsorption of Metals onto Magnetic Graphene Oxide: Comparison with Other Carbonaceous Adsorbents
Authors: Hur Jin , Shin Jaewon , Yoo Jeseung , Seo Young-Soo
Published: March 2015

Competitive adsorption isotherms of Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) were examined on a magnetic graphene oxide (GO), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and powered activated carbon (PAC). A series of analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of the magnetic GO based on a simple ultrasonification method. Irrespective of the adsorbents, the adsorption was highly dependent on pH, and the adsorption was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacities of the adsorbents were generally higher in the order of Pb(II) > Cu(II) > Cd(II), which is the same as the degree of the electronegativity and the hydrated radius of the metals, suggesting that the metal adsorption may be governed by an ion exchange between positively charged metals and negatively charged surfaces, as well as diffusion of metals into the surface layer. The adsorption of each metal was mostly lower for multi‐ versus single‐metal systems. The antagonistic effects were influenced by solution pH as well as the type of metals, and they were higher in the order of the magnetic GO > MWCNT > PAC. Dissolved HS played a greater role than HS adsorbed onto the adsorbents, competing with the adsorption sites for metal complexation.
Outage-Constrained Beamforming for Two-Tier Massive MIMO Downlink with Pilot Reuse
Authors: Xu Guozhen , Liu An , Jiang Wei , Xiang Haige , Luo Wu
Published: March 2015

Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems and small cell networks are both regarded as promising candidates to meet the exponential growth of mobile data traffic for the next generation (5G) wireless communications. Hence, a new kind of multitier networks which combine massive MIMO macro cells with a secondary tier of small cells is proposed to resolve the contradiction of large network coverage and high data rate. In such multitier networks, it is inevitable to allocate nonorthogonal uplink pilot sequences to user equipment (UE) due to the large number of users. We propose a pilot reuse scheme by exploiting the unique architecture of this networks and analyse the special mixed channel state information (CSI) yielded by the pilot reuse scheme. Based on the mixed CSI, we formulate a downlink transmit beamforming problem of minimizing the total power consumption while satisfying the quality of service (QoS) requirements with outage constraints. After decomposing the original problem into simpler subproblems, we provide an efficient algorithm to combine these subproblems and solve them iteratively for generating the beamforming vectors. Monte Carlo simulations show that the average power consumption of the proposed pilot reuse scheme and its associated beamforming algorithm is close to that of the perfect CSI case.
Evaluation of Sedative and Hypnotic Activity of Ethanolic Extract ofScoparia dulcisLinn.
Authors: Moniruzzaman Md. , Atikur Rahman Md. , Ferdous Afia
Published: March 2015

Scoparia dulcisLinn. (SD) is a perennial herb that has been well studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective effects. However, scientific information on SD regarding the neuropharmacological effect is limited. This study evaluated the sedative and hypnotic effect of the ethanolic extract of whole plants ofScoparia dulcis(EESD). For this purpose, the whole plants ofS. dulciswere extracted with ethanol following maceration process and tested for the presence of phytochemical constituents. The sedative and hypnotic activity were then investigated using hole cross, open field, hole-board, rota-rod, and thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time determination tests in mice at the doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of EESD. Diazepam at the dose of 1 mg/kg was used as a reference drug in all the experiments. We found that EESD produced a significant dose-dependent inhibition of locomotor activity of mice both in hole cross and open field tests (P<0.05). Besides, it also decreased rota-rod performances and the number of head dips in hole-board test. Furthermore, EESD significantly decreased the induction time to sleep and prolonged the duration of sleeping, induced by thiopental sodium. Taken together, our study suggests that EESD may possess sedative principles with potent hypnotic properties.
Feature Engineering for Drug Name Recognition in Biomedical Texts: Feature Conjunction and Feature Selection
Authors: Liu Shengyu , Tang Buzhou , Chen Qingcai , Wang Xiaolong , Fan Xiaoming
Published: March 2015

Drug name recognition (DNR) is a critical step for drug information extraction. Machine learning-based methods have been widely used for DNR with various types of features such as part-of-speech, word shape, and dictionary feature. Features used in current machine learning-based methods are usually singleton features which may be due to explosive features and a large number of noisy features when singleton features are combined into conjunction features. However, singleton features that can only capture one linguistic characteristic of a word are not sufficient to describe the information for DNR when multiple characteristics should be considered. In this study, we explore feature conjunction and feature selection for DNR, which have never been reported. We intuitively select 8 types of singleton features and combine them into conjunction features in two ways. Then, Chi-square, mutual information, and information gain are used to mine effective features. Experimental results show that feature conjunction and feature selection can improve the performance of the DNR system with a moderate number of features and our DNR system significantly outperforms the best system in the DDIExtraction 2013 challenge.
Clinical Effects of Thai Herbal Compress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dhippayom Teerapon , Kongkaew Chuenjid , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Dilokthornsakul Piyameth , Sruamsiri Rosarin , Saokaew Surasak , Chuthaputti Anchalee
Published: March 2015

Objective. To determine the clinical effects of Thai herbal compress.Methods. International and Thai databases were searched from inception through September 2014. Comparative clinical studies investigating herbal compress for any indications were included. Outcomes of interest included level of pain, difficulties in performing activities, and time from delivery to milk secretion. Mean changes of the outcomes from baseline were compared between herbal compress and comparators by calculating mean difference.Results. A total of 13 studies which involved 778 patients were selected from 369 articles identified. The overall effects of Thai herbal compress on reducing osteoarthritis (OA) and muscle pain were not different from those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, knee exercise, and hot compress. However, the reduction of OA pain in the herbal compress group tended to be higher than that of any comparators (weighted mean difference 0.419; 95% CI −0.004, 0.842) with moderate heterogeneity (I2= 58.3%,P=0.048). When compared with usual care, herbal compress provided significantly less time from delivery to milk secretion in postpartum mothers (mean difference −394.425 minutes; 95% CI −620.084, −168.766).Conclusion. Thai herbal compress may be considered as an alternative for osteoarthritis and muscle pain and could also be used as a treatment of choice to induce lactation.
Expression Analysis ofGnrh1andGnrhr1in Spermatogenic Cells of Rat
Authors: Ciaramella Vincenza , Chianese Rosanna , Pariante Paolo , Fasano Silvia , Pierantoni Riccardo , Meccariello Rosaria
Published: March 2015

Hypothalamic Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH),viaGnRH receptor (GnRHR), is the main actor in the control of reproduction, in that it induces the biosynthesis and the release of pituitary gonadotropins, which in turn promote steroidogenesis and gametogenesis in both sexes. Extrabrain functions of GnRH have been extensively described in the past decades and, in males, local GnRH activity promotes the progression of spermatogenesis and sperm functions at several levels. The canonical localization ofGnrh1andGnrhr1mRNA is Sertoli and Leydig cells, respectively, but ligand and receptor are also expressed in germ cells. Here, we analysed the expression rate ofGnrh1andGnrhr1in rat testis (180 days old) by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and byin situhybridization we localizedGnrh1andGnrhr1mRNA in different spermatogenic cells of adult animals. Our data confirm the testicular expression ofGnrh1and ofGnrhr1in somatic cells and provide evidence that their expression in the germinal compartment is restricted to haploid cells. In addition, not only Sertoli cells connected to spermatids in the last steps of maturation but also Leydig and peritubular myoid cells expressGnrh1.
Conceptual Framework for the Mapping of Management Process with Information Technology in a Business Process
Authors: Rajarathinam Vetrickarthick , Chellappa Swarnalatha , Nagarajan Asha
Published: March 2015

This study on component framework reveals the importance of management process and technology mapping in a business environment. We defined ERP as a software tool, which has to provide business solution but not necessarily an integration of all the departments. Any business process can be classified as management process, operational process and the supportive process. We have gone through entire management process and were enable to bring influencing components to be mapped with a technology for a business solution. Governance, strategic management, and decision making are thoroughly discussed and the need of mapping these components with the ERP is clearly explained. Also we suggest that implementation of this framework might reduce the ERP failures and especially the ERP misfit was completely rectified.
CD44 Isoform Status Predicts Response to Treatment with Anti-CD44 Antibody in Cancer Patients
Authors: Birzele Fabian , Voss Edgar , Nopora Adam , Honold Konrad , Heil Florian , Lohmann Sabine , Verheul Henk , Le Tourneau Christophe , Delord Jean-Pierre , van Herpen Carla , Mahalingam Devalingam , Coveler Andrew L. , Meresse Valerie , Weigand Stefan , Runza Valeria , Cannarile Michael
Published: March 2015

Purpose: CD44, a cell surface glycoprotein, plays important roles in the development, progression, and metastasis of various tumor types. The aim of this study was to investigate how the expression of CD44 isoforms influences the interaction with hyaluronic acid (HA) and how differential isoform expression impacts antitumoral responses in vivo to treatment with RG7356, a humanized anti-CD44 antibody inhibiting CD44–HA interaction.

Experimental Design: CD44 isoform expression on various tumor cell lines was analyzed by RNASeq while data on patients with different tumor types were obtained from the publicly available TCGA RNASeq dataset as well as a phase I clinical study (NCT01358903). We analyzed the link between HA production and CD44 isoform expression as well as the consequences of blocking the CD44-mediated cell adhesion to HA using RG7356. The correlation between CD44 isoform expression and antitumor response to RG7356 treatment was investigated in the corresponding murine xenograft in vivo models as well as in a subset of patients treated with RG7356 from a recently completed phase I clinical trial.

Results: CD44 isoform expression, in particular expression of CD44s, is associated with HA production and predicts response to treatment with RG7356 in tumor xenograft models. Furthermore, patient data suggest that CD44 isoform status is a potential predictive biomarker for clinical response to treatment with RG7356.

Conclusions: We provide new insights into the close interplay between CD44 and HA and a potential biomarker to enrich patient responses to RG7356 in the clinic. Clin Cancer Res; 21(12); 2753–62. ©2015 AACR.
Enhancement of the Proapoptotic Properties of Newcastle Disease Virus Promotes Tumor Remission in Syngeneic Murine Cancer Models
Authors: Cuadrado-Castano Sara , Ayllon Juan , Mansour Mena , de la Iglesia-Vicente Janis , Jordan Stefan , Tripathi Shashank , García-Sastre Adolfo , Villar Enrique
Published: March 2015

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is considered a promising agent for cancer therapy due to its oncolytic properties. These include preferential replication in transformed cells, induction of innate and adaptive immune responses within tumors, and cytopathic effects in infected tumor cells due to the activation of apoptosis. To enhance the latter and thus possibly enhance the overall oncolytic activity of NDV, we generated a recombinant NDV encoding the human TNF receptor Fas (rNDV-B1/Fas). rNDV-B1/Fas replicates to similar titers as its wild-type (rNDV-B1) counterpart; however, overexpression of Fas in infected cells leads to higher levels of cytotoxicity correlated with faster and increased apoptosis responses, in which both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways are activated earlier. Furthermore, in vivo studies in syngeneic murine melanoma models show an enhancement of the oncolytic properties of rNDV-B1/Fas, with major improvements in survival and tumor remission. Altogether, our data suggest that upregulation of the proapoptotic function of NDV is a viable approach to enhance its antitumor properties and adds to the currently known, rationally based strategies to design optimized therapeutic viral vectors for the treatment of cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(5); 1247–58. ©2015 AACR.
Citrate versus Acetate-Based Dialysate in On-Line Haemodiafiltration. A Prospective Cross-Over Study
Authors: Molina Nuñez Manuel , de Alarcón Rosa , Roca Susana , Álvarez Gracia , Ros María Soledad , Jimeno Cristina , Bucalo Laura , Villegas Isabel , García María Ángeles
Published: March 2015

Background and Aims: A bicarbonate dialysate acidified with citrate (CD) has been reported to have local anticoagulant effect and improves biocompatibility. This study examines the effect of CD on dialysis efficiency, coagulation, acid-base status, electrolytes, and inflammation in patients in on-line hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF). Methods: 35 patients in OL-HDF were enrolled in a prospective, cross-over study for a 24-week period and two phases alternating CD and acetate dialysate fluid (AD). Parameters on study were predialysis levels of bicarbonate and ionic calcium, reactive C Protein (CRP), and beta-2 microglobulin (B2MG) and postdialysis levels of activated tromboplastine time, bicarbonate, and ionized calcium. Results: No significant differences in coagulation parameters, pH, and predialysis bicarbonate were found. The postdialysis bicarbonate and postdialysis calcium were lower with CD. Dialysis efficiency was greater with CD. Regarding inflammatory parameters, both CRP and B2MG were lower using CD. Conclusion: The use of CD is safe and effective in OL-HDF, and it improves dialysis efficacy, postdialysis alkalosis, and inflammation.
Differential Bacterial Gene Expression during Experimental Pneumococcal Endophthalmitis
Authors: Thornton Justin A. , Tullos Nathan A. , Sanders Melissa E. , Ridout Granger , Wang Yong-Dong , Taylor Sidney D. , McDaniel Larry S. , Marquart Mary E.
Published: March 2015

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a potential cause of bacterial endophthalmitis in humans that can result in ocular morbidity. We sought to identify pneumococcal genes that are differentially expressed during growth in the vitreous humor of the eye in an experimental endophthalmitis model. Microarray analysis was used to identify genes that were differentially expressed when pneumococci replicated in the vitreous of rabbit eyes as compared with bacteria grown in vitro in Todd Hewitt medium. Array results were verified by quantitative real-time PCR analysis of representative genes. Select genes potentially playing a role in virulence during endophthalmitis were deleted, and mutants were tested for reduced eye pathogenesis and altered adhesion to host cells. Array analysis identified 134 genes that were differentially expressed during endophthalmitis; 112 genes demonstrated increased expression during growth in the eye whereas 22 were downregulated. Real-time analysis verified increased expression of neuraminidase A (NanA; SP1693), neuraminidase B (NanB; SP1687) and serine protease (SP1954), and decreased expression of RlrA (SP0461) and choline transporter (SP1861). Mutation of NanA and NanB had no major effect on pathogenesis. Loss of SP1954 led to increased adherence to host cells. S. pneumoniae enhances and represses the expression of a variety of genes during endophthalmitis. While some of these genes reflect changes in metabolic requirements, some appear to play a role in immune evasion and pathogenesis in the eye.
Effect of the ADIPOQ Gene -11391G/A Polymorphism Is Modulated by Lifestyle Factors in Mexican Subjects
Authors: Garcia-Garcia Maritza Roxana , Morales-Lanuza María Antonieta , Campos-Perez Wendy Yareny , Ruiz-Madrigal Bertha , Maldonado-Gonzalez Monserrat , Vizmanos Barbara , Hernandez-Cañaveral Ivan , Yañez-Sanchez Irinea , Roman Sonia , Panduro Arturo , Martinez-Lopez Erika
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ADIPOQ gene could explain the adiponectin level. However, the knowledge about the influence of genetic and lifestyle factors is not sufficient. The aim was to analyze whether the effect of the -11391G/A SNP in the ADIPOQ gene is modulated by lifestyle factors in Mexican subjects. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in which 394 participants were analyzed. Genetic, anthropometric, biochemical, dietary, clinical and physical activity parameters were measured. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSSv19 software. Results: The distribution of the -11391G/A SNP genotypes was 55.6 and 44.4% for GG and AG, respectively. The adiponectin level was modulated by the -11391G/A SNP in response to the body mass index (BMI); A allele carriers showed a higher adiponectin level compared to G homozygous carriers but only in the minor BMI tertile group (p = 0.032). Adiponectin level variability was explained by gender [(r) = 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-1.9, p = 0.000], insulin resistance [(r) = -1.2, 95% CI -0.8 to -1.6, p = 0.000], physical activity [(r) = 0.6, 95% CI 0.2-0.9, p = 0.002] and monounsaturated fat intake [(r) = 0.5, 95% CI 0.38-1.0, p = 0.047]. Conclusions: The adiponectin level was modulated by the interaction between BMI and -11391G/A SNP; this suggests that the lifestyle rather than genetic factors modulates serum adiponectin.
Midtrimester Isolated Short Femur Length as a Predictor of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Aviram Amir , Bardin Ron , Wiznitzer Arnon , Yogev Yariv , Hadar Eran
Published: March 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether midtrimester isolated short femur length is associated with pregnancy complications. Study Design: Retrospective analysis of pregnancies with a midtrimester femur length <5th percentile for gestational age compared to controls with a femur length ≥5th percentile. Outcome measures included hypertensive disorders, being small for gestational age, oligohydramnios and preterm delivery. Results: 2,105 women were eligible for this study, 85 (3.45%) of whom were in the study group and 2,020 were controls. Birth weight <10th percentile for gestational age (OR 4.4, 95% CI 2.5-7.8), birth weight <3rd percentile for gestational age (OR 31.0, 95% CI 13.3-72.3) and severe preeclampsia (OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.4-28.6) were significantly associated with midtrimester isolated short femur length. Conclusions: Midtrimester isolated short femur length is associated with higher rates of being small for gestational age and preeclampsia.
Public Perceptions of Disease Severity but Not Actionability Correlate with Interest in Receiving Genomic Results: Nonalignment with Current Trends in Practice
Authors: Graves Kristi D. , Sinicrope Pamela S. , McCormick Jennifer B. , Zhou Yingjun , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Lindor Noralane M.
Published: March 2015

Purpose: Frameworks highlighting disease actionability and severity are evolving to address the need to organize results from genome-wide analyses. This approach represents a paradigm shift from consultations focused on one or more genes to multiple genes for multiple disorders. Empirical input from the general population is lacking, yet seems essential for understanding how to maximize patient autonomy and satisfaction in the decision-making process. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with a representative sample of 900 US adults and assessed the participants' perceptions and attitudes toward disease actionability and severity, ranking hypothetical scenarios for these properties, and explored correlations with interest in learning test results. Results: Most respondents (>85%) rated actionability and severity as useful concepts; 46.6% indicated actionability alone would be adequate for decision making. Over half of them (53.8%) reported being very/extremely confident in their ability to score for actionability and severity. The participants' scoring of medical scenarios varied significantly between individuals. Scores for severity but not actionability were correlated with interest in learning genetic results. Subsets of the respondents projected wanting all results (30%) or no results (16%). The use of expert-created lists was acceptable to 43%. Conclusions: The respondents from the general population were confident in making their own decisions. The responses suggested different priorities than current expert-driven approaches. The emphasis on binning genes may be missing a complementary, simplifying approach of grouping patients based upon their all/none interest in genomic results. This study illuminates important differences between the general public and genetic experts.
Infant Arterial Stiffness and Maternal Iron Status in Pregnancy: A UK Birth Cohort (Baby VIP Study)
Authors: Alwan Nisreen A. , Cade Janet E. , McArdle Harry J. , Greenwood Darren C. , Hayes Helen E. , Ciantar Etienne , Simpson Nigel A.B.
Published: March 2015

Background: In animal studies, iron deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to increased offspring cardiovascular risk. No previous population studies have measured arterial stiffness early in life to examine its association with maternal iron status. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between maternal iron status in early pregnancy with infant brachio-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). Methods: The Baby VIP (Baby's Vascular Health and Iron in Pregnancy) study is a UK-based birth cohort which recruited 362 women after delivery from the Leeds Teaching Hospitals postnatal wards. Ferritin and transferrin receptor levels were measured in maternal serum samples previously obtained in the first trimester. Infant brachio-femoral PWV was measured during a home visit at 2-6 weeks. Results: Iron depletion (ferritin <15 μg/l) was detected in 79 (23%) women in early pregnancy. Infant PWV (mean = 6.7 m/s, SD = 1.3, n = 284) was neither associated with maternal ferritin (adjusted change per 10 μg/l = 0.02, 95% CI: -0.01, 0.1), nor with iron depletion (adjusted change = -0.2, 95% CI: -0.6, 0.2). No evidence of association was observed between maternal serum transferrin receptor level and its ratio to ferritin with infant PWV. Maternal anaemia (<11 g/dl) at ≤20 weeks' gestation was associated with a 1.0-m/s increase in infant PWV (adjusted 95% CI: 0.1, 1.9). Conclusion: This is the largest study to date which has assessed peripheral PWV as a measure of arterial stiffness in infants. There was no evidence of an association between markers of maternal iron status early in pregnancy and infant PWV.
Augmented Renal Vancomycin Clearance in Cancer Patients: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Curth Harald-Morten , Pelc Agnes , Kütting Fabian , Steffen Hans-Michael
Published: March 2015

Background: Bacterial infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Particularly diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (e.g. central venous catheters, paracentesis) increase the risk of infections in this immunocompromised patient population. In the past, antibiotic therapy was empirically initiated in these patients, guided by treatment regimens designed for patients without malignancy; however, the hyperdynamic circulation in systemic inflammatory response syndrome, as well as the presence of malignancy itself, may have a crucial impact on treatment success. Case Report: Here, we report the case of a 55-year-old patient with advanced pancreatic cancer and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteremia who, due to increased renal vancomycin clearance, required treatment with high doses of vancomycin in order to reach therapeutic trough levels. Conclusion: Oncological status can be a cofactor of altered pharmacokinetics in terms of a paraneoplastic syndrome. With the help of this case report we want to call attention to this clinically significant phenomenon with its inherent risk of inefficient antibiotic treatment.
Supratentorial Tanycytic Ependymoma in an Adult Male: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Lopez Giselle , McLendon Roger E. , Peters Katherine B.
Published: March 2015

Ependymomas, tumors of the ependymal cells, are very rare and usually present in the pediatric population. Furthermore, there are even rarer variants of ependymomas that can include cellular, papillary, clear cell, and tanycytic subtypes. We present a case of a supratentorial tanycytic ependymoma in an adult male and review the literature in regard to this rare primary central nervous system neoplasm.
New Approaches in the Treatment of Hypertension
Authors: Oparil Suzanne , Schmieder Roland E.
Published: March 2015

Hypertension is the most common modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death, and lowering blood pressure with antihypertensive drugs reduces target organ damage and prevents cardiovascular disease outcomes. Despite a plethora of available treatment options, a substantial portion of the hypertensive population has uncontrolled blood pressure. The unmet need of controlling blood pressure in this population may be addressed, in part, by developing new drugs and devices/procedures to treat hypertension and its comorbidities. In this Compendium Review, we discuss new drugs and interventional treatments that are undergoing preclinical or clinical testing for hypertension treatment. New drug classes, eg, inhibitors of vasopeptidases, aldosterone synthase and soluble epoxide hydrolase, agonists of natriuretic peptide A and vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2, and a novel mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist are in phase II/III of development, while inhibitors of aminopeptidase A, dopamine β-hydroxylase, and the intestinal Na
+
/H
+
exchanger 3, agonists of components of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2/angiotensin(1–7)/Mas receptor axis and vaccines directed toward angiotensin II and its type 1 receptor are in phase I or preclinical development. The two main interventional approaches, transcatheter renal denervation and baroreflex activation therapy, are used in clinical practice for severe treatment resistant hypertension in some countries. Renal denervation is also being evaluated for treatment of various comorbidities, eg, chronic heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias and chronic renal failure. Novel interventional approaches in early development include carotid body ablation and arteriovenous fistula placement. Importantly, none of these novel drug or device treatments has been shown to prevent cardiovascular disease outcomes or death in hypertensive patients.
Inflammation, Immunity, and Hypertensive End-Organ Damage
Authors: McMaster William G. , Kirabo Annet , Madhur Meena S. , Harrison David G.
Published: March 2015

For >50 years, it has been recognized that immunity contributes to hypertension. Recent data have defined an important role of T cells and various T cell–derived cytokines in several models of experimental hypertension. These studies have shown that stimuli like angiotensin II, deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt, and excessive catecholamines lead to formation of effector like T cells that infiltrate the kidney and perivascular regions of both large arteries and arterioles. There is also accumulation of monocyte/macrophages in these regions. Cytokines released from these cells, including interleukin-17, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factorα, and interleukin-6 promote both renal and vascular dysfunction and damage, leading to enhanced sodium retention and increased systemic vascular resistance. The renal effects of these cytokines remain to be fully defined, but include enhanced formation of angiotensinogen, increased sodium reabsorption, and increased renal fibrosis. Recent experiments have defined a link between oxidative stress and immune activation in hypertension. These have shown that hypertension is associated with formation of reactive oxygen species in dendritic cells that lead to formation of gamma ketoaldehydes, or isoketals. These rapidly adduct to protein lysines and are presented by dendritic cells as neoantigens that activate T cells and promote hypertension. Thus, cells of both the innate and adaptive immune system contribute to end-organ damage and dysfunction in hypertension. Therapeutic interventions to reduce activation of these cells may prove beneficial in reducing end-organ damage and preventing consequences of hypertension, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, renal failure, and stroke.
Sodium Intake and Cardiovascular Health
Authors: O’Donnell Martin , Mente Andrew , Yusuf Salim
Published: March 2015

Sodium is an essential nutrient. Increasing sodium intake is associated with increasing blood pressure, whereas low sodium intake results in increased renin and aldosterone levels. Randomized controlled trials have reported reductions in blood pressure with reductions in sodium intake, to levels of sodium intake <1.5 g/d, and form the evidentiary basis for current population-wide guidelines recommending low sodium intake. Although low sodium intake (<2.0 g/d) has been achieved in short-term feeding clinical trials, sustained low sodium intake has not been achieved by any of the longer term clinical trials (>6-month duration). It is assumed that the blood pressure–lowering effects of reducing sodium intake to low levels will result in large reductions in cardiovascular disease globally. However, current evidence from prospective cohort studies suggests a J-shaped association between sodium intake and cardiovascular events, based on studies from >300 000 people, and suggests that the lowest risk of cardiovascular events and death occurs in populations consuming an average sodium intake range (3–5 g/d). The increased risk of cardiovascular events associated with higher sodium intake (>5 g/d) is most prominent in those with hypertension. A major deficit in the field is the absence of large randomized controlled trials to provide definitive evidence on optimal sodium intake for preventing cardiovascular events. Pending such trials, current evidence would suggest a recommendation for moderate sodium intake in the general population (3–5 g/d), with targeting the lower end of the moderate range among those with hypertension.
The Epidemiology of Blood Pressure and Its Worldwide Management
Authors: Rahimi Kazem , Emdin Connor A. , MacMahon Stephen
Published: March 2015

Despite the vast amount of evidence on the benefits of blood pressure lowering accumulated to date, elevated blood pressure is still the leading risk factor for disease and disability worldwide. The purpose of this review is to summarize the epidemiological evidence underpinning the association between blood pressure and a range of conditions. This review focuses on the association between systolic and diastolic blood pressures and the risk of cardiovascular and renal disease. Evidence for and against the existence of a J-shaped curve association between blood pressure and cardiovascular risk, and differences in the predictive power of systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure, are described. In addition, global and regional trends in blood pressure levels and management of hypertension are reviewed.
Obesity-Induced Hypertension
Authors: Hall John E. , do Carmo Jussara M. , da Silva Alexandre A. , Wang Zhen , Hall Michael E.
Published: March 2015

Excess weight gain, especially when associated with increased visceral adiposity, is a major cause of hypertension, accounting for 65% to 75% of the risk for human primary (essential) hypertension. Increased renal tubular sodium reabsorption impairs pressure natriuresis and plays an important role in initiating obesity hypertension. The mediators of abnormal kidney function and increased blood pressure during development of obesity hypertension include (1) physical compression of the kidneys by fat in and around the kidneys, (2) activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, and (3) increased sympathetic nervous system activity. Activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system is likely due, in part, to renal compression, as well as sympathetic nervous system activation. However, obesity also causes mineralocorticoid receptor activation independent of aldosterone or angiotensin II. The mechanisms for sympathetic nervous system activation in obesity have not been fully elucidated but may require leptin and activation of the brain melanocortin system. With prolonged obesity and development of target organ injury, especially renal injury, obesity-associated hypertension becomes more difficult to control, often requiring multiple antihypertensive drugs and treatment of other risk factors, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, and inflammation. Unless effective antiobesity drugs are developed, the effect of obesity on hypertension and related cardiovascular, renal and metabolic disorders is likely to become even more important in the future as the prevalence of obesity continues to increase.