bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-2 Is Induced Following 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy in SW620 Human Colon Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Woźniak Marta , Duś-Szachniewicz Kamila , Ziółkowski Piotr
Published: October 2015

The IGF system is a family of polypeptide growth factors, which plays a significant role in the development and growth of many cells. Dysregulation of insulin-like growth factors and their pathway components has been connected with essential tumor properties, such as tumor cell proliferation, antiapoptotic properties, invasive behavior and chemotherapy resistance. However, the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT), one of the cancer treatment methods for the regulation of the IGF signaling pathway, are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of IGF-2 after 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-mediated-PDT in SW620 human colorectal cancer cells with evaluation of cell proliferation and apoptosis and to determine the effects of PDT on the IGF-2 receptor (IGF-2R), IGF-2 binding protein-1 (IGF-2BP-1) and the proapoptotic protein, BAX. Cells were treated with 5-aminolevulinic acid and its methyl ester. Changes of the expression and concentration of IGF-2 before and after treatment were assayed by immunocytochemistry, Western blot and ELISA. We found that IGF-2 was significantly overexpressed in the SW620 cell line, while its receptor and binding protein-1 were not significantly changed. Within this study, we would like to suggest that IGF-2 contributes to the effects of PDT and that its expression will influence post-PDT efficacy.
Embryonic Development of the Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Martin Peter , Kloesel Benjamin , Norris Russell , Lindsay Mark , Milan David , Body Simon
Published: October 2015

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital valvular heart defect with an overall frequency of 0.5%–1.2%. BAVs result from abnormal aortic cusp formation during valvulogenesis, whereby adjacent cusps fuse into a single large cusp resulting in two, instead of the normal three, aortic cusps. Individuals with BAV are at increased risk for ascending aortic disease, aortic stenosis and coarctation of the aorta. The frequent occurrence of BAV and its anatomically discrete but frequent co-existing diseases leads us to suspect a common cellular origin. Although autosomal-dominant transmission of BAV has been observed in a few pedigrees, notably involving the gene NOTCH1, no single-gene model clearly explains BAV inheritance, implying a complex genetic model involving interacting genes. Several sequencing studies in patients with BAV have identified rare and uncommon mutations in genes of cardiac embryogenesis. But the extensive cell-cell signaling and multiple cellular origins involved in cardiac embryogenesis preclude simplistic explanations of this disease. In this review, we examine the series of events from cellular and transcriptional embryogenesis of the heart, to development of the aortic valve.
Gliotoxin Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Chen Junxiong , Wang Chenliang , Lan Wenjian , Huang Chunying , Lin Mengmeng , Wang Zhongyang , Liang Wanling , Iwamoto Aikichi , Yang Xiangling , Liu Huanliang
Published: October 2015

The discovery of new bioactive compounds from marine natural sources is very important in pharmacological research. Here we developed a Wnt responsive luciferase reporter assay to screen small molecule inhibitors of cancer associated constitutive Wnt signaling pathway. We identified that gliotoxin (GTX) and some of its analogues, the secondary metabolites from marine fungus Neosartorya pseufofischeri, acted as inhibitors of the Wnt signaling pathway. In addition, we found that GTX downregulated the β-catenin levels in colorectal cancer cells with inactivating mutations of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) or activating mutations of β-catenin. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GTX induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in multiple colorectal cancer cell lines with mutations of the Wnt signaling pathway. Together, we illustrated a practical approach to identify small-molecule inhibitors of the Wnt signaling pathway and our study indicated that GTX has therapeutic potential for the prevention or treatment of Wnt dependent cancers and other Wnt related diseases.
Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Activity of Chamaecyparis obtusa Leaf Extract against the HCT116 Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Line and Investigation of the Bioactive Compound by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics
Authors: Kim Hye-Youn , Lee Seul-Gi , Oh Taek-Joo , Lim Sa , Kim So-Hyun , Lee Hong , Kim Young-Suk , Choi Hyung-Kyoon
Published: October 2015

Chamaecyparis obtusa (CO) belongs to the Cupressaceae family, and it is found widely distributed in Japan and Korea. In this study, the anti-proliferative activities of the methanol and water extracts of CO leaves against a human colorectal cancer cell line (HCT116) were investigated. The methanol extract of CO leaves, at a concentration of 1.25 µg/mL, exhibited anti-proliferative activity against HCT116 cells, while displaying no cytotoxicity against Chang liver cells. Comparative global metabolite profiling was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with multivariate statistical analysis, and it was revealed that anthricin was the major compound contributing to the anti-proliferative activity. The activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases played a key role in the apoptotic effect of the methanol extract of CO leaves in HCT116 human colon cancer cells. These results suggest that the methanol extract and anthricin derived from CO leaves might be useful in the development of medicines with anti-colorectal cancer activity.
Characterization of Non-Anthocyanic Flavonoids in Some Hybrid Red Grape Extracts Potentially Interesting for Industrial Uses
Authors: De Rosso Mirko , Panighel Annarita , Vedova Antonio , Gardiman Massimo , Flamini Riccardo
Published: October 2015

Previous studies showed that hybrid grapes often have qualitatively and quantitatively higher polyphenolic contents than the common V. vinifera grape varieties. In general, these compounds are studied for grape chemotaxonomy and for nutraceutical purposes due to their relevant antioxidant activity. Non-anthocyanic flavonoid composition of five red hybrid grape varieties produced by crossing of V. vinifera, V. aestivalis, V. cinerea, V. berlandieri, V. labrusca, V. lincecumii, and V. rupestris were studied by liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry. Thirty-one compounds were identified, including methylnaringenin, a tetrahydroxy-dimethoxyflavanone-hexoside, two flavonols (quercetin and a pentahydroxyflavone isomer), 20 glycoside flavonols (four quercetin, two myricetin, two kaempferol, three isorhamnetin, one laricitrin, two syringetin, one kaempferide and two dihydroflavonol derivatives; myricetin-glucoside-glucuronide; myricetin-diglucoside; syringetin-dihexoside), three flavan-3-ols (−)-epicatechin, (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin gallate) and four proantocyanidins (procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2, procyanidin B3 or B4/B5, procyanidin T2 or T3/T4/C1). Seibel 19881, Seyve Villard 12-347 and Seyve Villard 29-399 were particularly rich in polyphenols. These findings emphasize that these grapes are especially interesting for the production of antioxidant extracts for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical uses.
Egg Intake and Dietary Quality among Overweight and Obese Mexican-American Postpartum Women
Authors: Vega-López Sonia , Pignotti Giselle , Todd Michael , Keller Colleen
Published: October 2015

Despite their low cost and high nutrient density, the contribution of eggs to nutrient intake and dietary quality among Mexican-American postpartum women has not been evaluated. Nutrient intake and dietary quality, as assessed by the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010), were measured in habitually sedentary overweight/obese (body mass index (BMI) = 29.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2) Mexican-American postpartum women (28 ± 6 years) and compared between egg consumers (n = 82; any egg intake reported in at least one of three 24-h dietary recalls) and non-consumers (n = 57). Egg consumers had greater intake of energy (+808 kJ (193 kcal) or 14%; p = 0.033), protein (+9 g or 17%; p = 0.031), total fat (+9 g or 19%; p = 0.039), monounsaturated fat (+4 g or 24%; p = 0.020), and several micronutrients than non-consumers. Regarding HEI-2010 scores, egg consumers had a greater total protein foods score than non-consumers (4.7 ± 0.7 vs. 4.3 ± 1.0; p = 0.004), and trends for greater total fruit (2.4 ± 1.8 vs. 1.9 ± 1.7; p = 0.070) and the total composite HEI-2010 score (56.4 ± 12.6 vs. 52.3 ± 14.4; p = 0.082). Findings suggest that egg intake could contribute to greater nutrient intake and improved dietary quality among postpartum Mexican-American women. Because of greater energy intake among egg consumers, recommendations for overweight/obese individuals should include avoiding excessive energy intake and incorporating eggs to a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich dietary pattern.
Material Exchange Property of Organo Lead Halide Perovskite with Hole-Transporting Materials
Authors: Ito Seigo , Kanaya Shusaku , Nishino Hitoshi , Umeyama Tomokazu , Imahori Hiroshi
Published: October 2015

Using X-ray diffraction (XRD), it was confirmed that the deposition of hole-transporting materials (HTM) on a CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite layer changed the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite crystal, which was due to the material exchanging phenomena between the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite and HTM layers. The solvent for HTM also changed the perovskite crystal. In order to suppress the crystal change, doping by chloride ion, bromide ion and 5-aminovaleric acid was attempted. However, the doping was unable to stabilize the perovskite crystal against HTM deposition. It can be concluded that the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite crystal is too soft and flexible to stabilize against HTM deposition.
Insights into the Mechanical Behaviour of a Layered Flexible Tactile Sensor
Authors: Castellanos-Ramos Julián , Navas-González Rafael , Fernández Iván , Vidal-Verdú Fernando
Published: October 2015

This paper shows realizations of a piezoresistive tactile sensor with a low cost screen-printing technology. A few samples were fabricated for different materials used as insulator between the conductive layers and as top layer or cover. Both can be used to tune the sensitivity of the sensor. However, a large influence is also observed of the roughness at the contact interface on the sensitivity and linearity of the output, as well as on mismatching between the outputs from different taxels. The roughness at the contact interface is behind the transduction principle of the sensor, but it also limits its performance if the wavelength of the roughness is comparable or even longer than the size of the contacts. The paper shows experimental results that confirm this relationship and discusses its consequences in sensor response related to the materials chosen for the insulator and the cover. Moreover, simulations with FEA tools and with simple models are used to support the discussions and conclusions obtained from the experimental data. This provides insights into the sensor behaviour that are shared by other sensors based on the same principle.
The Multifunctional Environmental Energy Tower: Carbon Footprint and Land Use Analysis of an Integrated Renewable Energy Plant
Authors: Bonamente Emanuele , Pelliccia Lara , Merico Maria , Rinaldi Sara , Petrozzi Alessandro
Published: October 2015

The Multifunctional Environmental Energy Tower (MEET) is a single, vertical, stand-alone renewable energy plant designed to decrease the primary energy consumption from fossil fuels, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to maximize the energy production from renewable sources available in place and to minimize land use. A feasibility case study was performed for the city of Rome, Italy. Several technologies are exploited and integrated in a single system, including a photovoltaic plant, a geothermal plant and a biomass digester for urban organic waste and sewage sludge. In the proposed configuration, the MEET could cover more than 11% of the electric power demand and up to 3% of the space heating demand of the surrounding urban area. An LCA analysis evaluates the environmental impact in a cradle-to-grave approach for two impact categories: global warming (carbon footprint) and land use (land occupation and land transformation). The functional unit is a mix of electric (49.1%) and thermal (50.9%) energy (kWhmix). The carbon footprint is 48.70 g CO2eq/kWhmix; the land transformation is 4.058 m2/GWhmix; and the land occupation is 969.3 m2y/GWhmix. With respect to other energy production technologies, the carbon footprint is lower and similar to the best-performing ones (e.g., co-generation from wood chips); both of the land use indicators are considerably smaller than the least-impacting technologies. A systematic study was finally performed, and possible optimizations of the original design are proposed. Thanks to the modular design, the conceptual idea can be easily applied to other urban and non-urban scenarios.
Development of a Biochar-Plant-Extract-Based Nitrification Inhibitor and Its Application in Field Conditions
Authors: Reyes-Escobar Jhónatan , Zagal Erick , Sandoval Marco , Navia Rodrigo , Muñoz Cristina
Published: October 2015

The global use of nitrogen (N) fertilizer has increased 10-fold in the last fifty years, resulting in increased N losses via nitrate leaching to groundwater bodies or from gaseous emissions to the atmosphere. One of the biggest problems farmers face in agricultural production systems is the loss of N. In this context, novel biological nitrification inhibitors (BNI) using biochar (BC) as a renewable matrix to increase N use efficiency, by reducing nitrification rates, have been evaluated. The chemical and morphological characteristics of BC were analyzed and BC-BNI complexes were formulated using plant extracts from pine (Pinus radiata), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and peumo (Cryptocarya alba). In field experiments, fertilizer and treatments, based on crude plant extracts and BC-BNI complexes, were applied and the effect on nitrification was periodically monitored, and at the laboratory level, a phytotoxicity assay was performed. The biochar-peumo (BCPe) complex showed the highest nitrification inhibition (66%) on day 60 after application compared with the crude plant extract, suggesting that BCPe complex protects the BNI against biotic or abiotic factors, and therefore BC-BNI complexes could increase the persistence of biological nitrification inhibitors. None of the biochar complexes had toxic effect on radish plants.
L'exécution forcée d'une obligation de faire
Authors: Ayissi Manga Eugène Bertrand
Published: October 2015

Cet article consiste en une analyse de l'évolution du droit positif sur l'exécution forcée en nature d'une obligation de faire. En effet, après avoir été largement admis, le principe de l'exécution forcée en nature d'une obligation de faire paraît aujourd'hui remis en cause. Une jurisprudence croissante, revenant à une interprétation rigoriste de l'article 1142 du Code civil et, de ce fait, défavorable à l'effet contraignant des obligations, considère, d'une façon générale, que toute obligation de faire (ou de ne pas faire) se résout en dommages et intérêts, en cas d'inexécution par le débiteur.

Le retour vers l'exclusion de l'exécution forcée, constaté en matière de promesses de contrats tend à se généraliser au point d'embrasser les contrats définitifs dès l'origine (I). Mais la portée du principe nouveau d'exclusion de l'exécution forcée d'une obligation de faire semble, en fin de compte, restreinte en raison de son incohérence sur le plan théorique et de son irréalisme sur le plan pratique (II).
Social Media Cocreation Strategies: The 3Cs
Authors: Gyimóthy Szilvia , Larson Mia
Published: October 2015

This article explores how social media becomes a part of integrated marketing communications of festival organizations. The purpose of this article is to conceptualize the cocreation of festival experiences online by comparing managerial strategies and communicative patterns of three
large Scandinavian music festivals: Storsjöyran, Way Out West (Sweden), and Roskilde Festival (Denmark). The theoretical point of departure is taken in the literature on consumer–producer cocreation, originating from recent conceptualizations of the service-dominant logic and a
tribal perspective on consumption. Based on the empirical findings, we propose an analytical framework to improve our understanding of the management of social media communications, offering three distinct value cocreation strategies in a festival context.
Coopetition and Knowledge Transfer Dynamics: New Zealand's Regional Tourism Organizations and the 2011 Rugby World Cup
Authors: Werner Kim , Dickson Geoff , Hyde Kenneth F.
Published: October 2015

To ensure the success of Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011 in New Zealand, regional tourism organizations (RTOs) were expected to collaborate with each other as part of developing a nationwide approach to the event, while simultaneously competing for visitor nights and spending. Simultaneous
cooperation and competition is referred to as coopetition. Relatively little is known about the impact of coopetition on knowledge transfer dynamics. The study analyzes how coopetition among the RTOs affected knowledge transfer dynamics between RTOs in the RWC 2011 context. The study utilized
an exploratory, qualitative case study approach. Twenty-five semistructured interviews with CEOs and senior managers from RTOs were conducted both preevent and postevent. A formal survey and a documentation review triangulated the findings. The results indicate that a continuum of competition
and collaboration (i.e., coopetition) was present in the RTO network for RWC 2011, which restricted the flow of potentially useful knowledge and information. The set up of RWC 2011—especially the regional bidding process to host teams and matches—played an essential role and impeded
interregional collaboration and knowledge transfer while simultaneously facilitating competition among the RTOs. The study concludes that coopetition can hinder the sharing and transfer of knowledge in a destination marketing and mega-events context. The study thus addresses the call for research
in this field and enhances understanding of how to better leverage mega-events in the future.
A ROBUST METHOD FOR REAL TIME ESTIMATION OF TRAVEL TIMES FOR DENSE URBAN ROAD NETWORKS USING POINT-TO-POINT DETECTORS
Authors: Mitsakis Evangelos , Grau Josep Maria Salanova , Chrysohoou Evangelia , Aifadopoulou Georgia
Published: October 2015

Data collection for the provision of real time traveller information services is a key issue, both for the travellers as well as for traffic managers. This paper presents a methodology for estimating travel times in dense urban road networks using point-to-point detectors. The aim is to fill in the gap of existing travel time estimation methodologies, which are based on point-to-point detection devices. Bluetooth (BT) is considered as one of the less expensive technologies for estimating travel times. Data filtering and data correction require rigorous methodologies, which if not correctly applied may result in inaccurate results as compared to other methods. The main difficulty of data processing is to identify the correct set of Media Access Control (MAC) addresses for estimating travel times, especially in dense urban road networks, where three main error sources exist: the co-existence of various transport modes (private vehicles, buses, pedestrians, bicycles etc.), the existence of more than one possible paths between two BT detectors and the existence of stops or trips ending between two BT detectors. These error sources create outliers that need to be identified and taken into account. The results of the proposed methodology confirm that outliers are eliminated, as shown by a case study with 10 BT detectors installed at major intersections of Thessaloniki’s Central Business District (CBD).
CLOUDTHINK: A SCALABLE SECURE PLATFORM FOR MIRRORING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS IN THE CLOUD
Authors: Wilhelm Erik , Siegel Joshua , Mayer Simon , Sadamori Leyna , Dsouza Sohan , Chau Chi-Kin , Sarma Sanjay
Published: October 2015

We present a novel approach to developing a vehicle communication platform consisting of a low-cost, open-source hardware for moving vehicle data to a secure server, a Web Application Programming Interface (API) for the provision of third-party services, and an intuitive user dashboard for access control and service distribution. The CloudThink infrastructure promotes the commoditization of vehicle telematics data by facilitating easier, flexible, and more secure access. It enables drivers to confidently share their vehicle information across multiple applications to improve the transportation experience for all stakeholders, as well as to potentially monetize their data. The foundations for an application ecosystem have been developed which, taken together with the fair value for driving data and low barriers to entry, will drive adoption of CloudThink as the standard method for projecting physical vehicles into the cloud. The application space initially consists of a few fundamental and important applications (vehicle tethering and remote diagnostics, road-safety monitoring, and fuel economy analysis) but as CloudThink begins to gain widespread adoption, the multiplexing of applications on the same data structure and set will accelerate its adoption.
FUZZY LOGIC APPROACH IN MODE CHOICE MODELLING FOR EDUCATION TRIPS: A CASE STUDY OF INDIAN METROPOLITAN CITY
Authors: Kedia Ashu Shivkumar , Saw Krishna Bhuneshwar , Katti Bhimaji Krishnaji
Published: October 2015

Urban population in India has increased significantly from 62 million in 1951 to 378 million in 2011 in six decades. It is estimated to reach 540 million by the year 2021. This reflects on likely pressure on urban transportation system. The situation necessarily calls plans for balanced personal and public transport system. Mandatory trips bear more importance in this regard owing to their higher share in urban trips. Mode share and their choice behaviour in estimation of such trips play vital role in analysing and boosting sustainable transportation. Logit modelling approach is the conventional method generally adopted for analysing mode choice behaviour, which is based on the principle of random utility maximization derived from econometric theory. However, such models cannot address uncertainity prevailing in the choice decisions. On the contrary, fuzzy logic bypasses the binary crisp derivations of the inputs and accepts multivalued inputs in linguistic expressions, which make possible to resemble the human behaviour closely. Therefore, the attempt here is to develop fuzzy logic based mode choice model for education trips, which constitutes a good share in mandatory trips by covering various income groups of Indian society.
INTEGRATION OF MOTION PLANNING AND MODEL-PREDICTIVE-CONTROL-BASED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AUTONOMOUS ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Authors: Yin Guodong , Li Jianghu , Jin Xianjian , Bian Chentong , Chen Nan
Published: October 2015

This paper introduces the development of an autonomous driving system in autonomous electric vehicles, which consists of a simplified motion-planning program and a Model-Predictive-Control-Based (MPC-based) control system. The motion-planning system is based on polynomial parameterization, which computes a path toward the expected longitudinal and lateral positions within required time interval in real scenarios. Then the MPC-based control system cooperates the front steering and individual wheel torques to track the planned trajectories, while fulfilling the physical constraints of actuators. The proposed system is evaluated through simulation, using a seven-degrees-offreedom vehicle model with a ‘magic formula’ tire model. The simulations and validation through CarSim show that the proposed planner algorithm and controller are feasible and can achieve requirements of autonomous driving in normal scenarios.
Промена на крвните лактати при ергометриско тестирање кај професионални фудбалери за време на една натпреварувачка полусезона
Authors: Близнаковска-Станчев Драгица
Published: October 2015

ОСНОВА: Одредувањето на концентрацијата на крвните лактати на различни степени на ергометриско лабораториско оптоварување е од интерест за следење на лактатна толеранција и адаптацијата на гликолизата како важен енергетски извор во текот на фудбалската игра. Крвните лактати се често користен индикатор за анаеробната лактатна енергетска продукција во фудбалот. Всушност, тие го покажуваат балансот помеѓу создавањето, ослободувањето и отстранувањето на лактатите, и како такви, за да бидат индикатор, неколку факти треба да се земат предвид.
ЦЕЛ: Целта ноа оваа студија е да се утврдивлијанието на одделните фази одтренажниот процес во фудбалот врз крвните лактати кај професионали фудбалери,како и да се утврдат разликите на концентрациите на крвните лактати помеѓу одделните фази на тренажниот процес.
МАТЕРИЈАЛ И МЕТОДИ: Истражувањето е организирано од страна наПЗУ Кинетикус, Скопје во тек на 2014 година. Во студијата е опфатен примерок од 36 испитаници кои седефинирани како професионални фудбалери од еден фудбалски тим од Првата национална фудбалска лига на возраст од 18-32 години.Со помош на крвен анализатор "ACCUSPORT" одредена е концентрацијата на крвните лактати во ммол/л, во мирување, по завршување на секој степен на оптоварување на максималниот ергометриски тест и во фазата на опоравување (3 минути по завршување на тестот) -Лак мир, Лак 3мин, Лак 6мин, Лак 9мин, Лак 12мин, Лак 15 мин, Лак макс и Лак опор.
РЕЗУЛТАТИ: Крвните лактати при максимален прогресивно растечки ергометриски тест покажаа значајни промени, и тоа, при петтиот степен на оптоварување (на крајот од 15-та минута), при максимално оптоварување и во фазата на опоравување, три минути по завршувањето на тестот.
ЗАКЛУЧОЦИ: Значајното намалување на крвните лактати на петтиот степен на оптоварување, кој е всушност нивото на кое е постигнат AnT од 4 ммол/л, по подготвителната фаза, можеби индицира почетни знаци на адаптација на гликолизата и лактатната толеранциј
Effect of Urate Lowering Therapy on Renal Disease Progression in Hyperuricemic Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kim Yoonjin , Shin Sungjoon , Kim Kyungsoo , Choi Sangtae , Lee Kwanghoon
Published: October 2015

Objective.

To determine whether urate lowering therapy (ULT) could delay renal disease progression in hyperuricemic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods.

We performed a retrospective review of hyperuricemic patients with stage 3 CKD followed from September 2005 to July 2014 in Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea. A total of 158 eligible patients were identified and 65 of them were treated with ULT in addition to the usual CKD management. We divided the patients according to the use of ULT and compared the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change from baseline value and the proportion of renal disease progression (decline of eGFR > 30% of the baseline value, initiation of dialysis or eGFR < 15 ml/min/1.73m2) at the time of last followup. Risk factors for renal disease progression were identified by logistic regression analysis.

Results.

After a median followup of 118.5 weeks (minimum 25, maximum 465), the ULT group showed better outcomes compared to the non-ULT group in terms of eGFR change from baseline (−1.19 ± 12.07 vs −7.37 ± 11.17 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.001) and the proportion of renal disease progression (12.3% vs 27.9%, p = 0.01). Goal-directed ULT showed better clinical outcomes compared to maintaining the initial ULT dose. Actual (area under the SUA-time curve adjusted by total observation time period) serum uric acid was significantly associated with the risk of renal disease progression (p for trend = 0.04) and actual serum uric acid level < 7 mg/dl reduced the risk of renal disease progression by 69.4%.

Conclusion.

ULT significantly delayed renal disease progression in hyperuricemic patients with CKD. Goal-directed ULT seems to be better than continuing the initial ULT prescription.
Subclinical Atherosclerosis Is Not Accelerated in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis with Low Disease Activity: New Data and Metaanalysis of Published Studies
Authors: Arida Aikaterini , Protogerou Athanasios D. , Konstantonis George , Konsta Maria , Delicha Evi M. , Kitas George D. , Sfikakis Petros P.
Published: October 2015

Objective.

Chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases are associated with accelerated atherosclerosis, but data in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are limited and the relative contribution of inflammation versus classical cardiovascular (CV) risk factors remains a matter of controversy. We addressed this in an original study and a metaanalysis of previous studies.

Methods.

Atheromatic plaques in carotid and femoral arteries, carotid hypertrophy [intima-media thickness (IMT), cross-sectional area], and carotid stiffness by ultrasound, as well as aortic stiffness by pulse wave velocity, were examined in consecutive nondiabetic, CV disease (CVD)-free patients with AS. Healthy individuals carefully matched 1:1 with patients for age, sex, smoking habits, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension served as controls. A metaanalysis of original studies that examined subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with AS versus controls with comparable CVD risk factors was also performed.

Results.

Carotid and femoral atheromatic plaques were slightly less prevalent compared with controls in a contemporary cohort consisting of 67 patients with AS (82% men), aged 47.5 ± 12.5 years (mean ± SD), with a median disease duration of 12 years and a Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) of 1.8 (interquartile range 0.4–3.6), of whom 66% were receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment. Carotid hypertrophy and stiffness, as well as aortic stiffness, were similar between patients and their matched controls. Metaanalysis of all published studies revealed a significantly increased carotid IMT, but not plaque burden, in AS versus controls. Notably, however, increased IMT was not evident in studies involving patients with low disease activity (mean BASDAI < 4) or in those studies that included > 50% of patients treated with anti-TNF.

Conclusion.

Low AS disease activity is not associated with accelerated atherosclerosis.
Concomitant Methotrexate Protects Against Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
Authors: Asai Shuji , Takahashi Nobunori , Funahashi Koji , Yoshioka Yutaka , Takemoto Toki , Terabe Kenya , Asai Nobuyuki , Ishiguro Naoki , Kojima Toshihisa
Published: October 2015

Objective.

To determine the effects of concomitant methotrexate (MTX) on the incidence of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) resulting from the progression of joint destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during longterm treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.

Methods.

A total of 155 patients with RA (310 knee joints) received TNF inhibitors at our institute between May 1, 2001, and May 31, 2008. A total of 111 symptomatic (tender and/or swollen) knee joints in 68 patients were retrospectively studied over the course of a minimum of 5 years of followup. The median (interquartile range) followup period was 8.1 (7.0–9.3) years. All data were analyzed using the knee joint as the statistical unit of analysis. TKA during treatment with TNF inhibitors was used as the outcome variable in predictive analyses. The cumulative incidence of TKA was compared by concomitant or no MTX use (MTX±).

Results.

There were 79 subjects (71%) who received concomitant MTX. According to Kaplan-Meier estimates, the cumulative incidence of TKA for the MTX+ group was significantly lower than that for the MTX− group (24% vs 45% at 5 yrs, respectively, p = 0.035). Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model revealed that concomitant MTX (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22–0.89), Larsen grade (HR 2.93, 95% CI 1.94–4.41), and older age at baseline (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.08) were independent predictors of TKA.

Conclusion.

Concomitant MTX reduces the incidence of TKA by 56% in patients with RA during longterm treatment with TNF inhibitors.
Maimonides by his Own Hand
Authors: Sirat Colette
Published: October 2015

Moïse Maïmonide (1168-1204) a combattu avec acharnement l’idée de la corporéité divine, car elle est contraire à la proclamation de l’existence d’un Dieu unique, la croyance fondamentale du peuple d’Israël. D’autre part, bien que la religion demande que l’on admette la création dans le temps, l’éternité du monde est la seule preuve philosophique de l’existence divine. Ces convictions, acquises dans sa jeunesse sous l’influence de l’orthodoxie almohade, sont clairement exprimées dans son Mishnéh Torah . C’est en raison des critiques acerbes des dirigeants rabbanites qu’elles le sont beaucoup moins dans le Guide des Égarés , comme le montrent les brouillons autographes. De plus, une note manuscrite, écrite dans sa vieillesse sur son exemplaire personnel d’un autre de ses livres, prouve que Maïmonide n’avait pas changé d’avis en ce qui concerne l’éternité du monde.
Arnau de Vilanova adversario de Tomás de Aquino : la polémica sobre la conveniencia de conocer los tiempos finales
Authors: Mensa I Valls Jaume
Published: October 2015

Cet article a pour objet la synthèse et la critique faites par Arnau de Vilanova, dans le Gladius iugulans thomatistas , des thèses de Thomas d’Aquin sur la possibilité de connaître la fin des temps. De surcroît, nous établirons sa contextualisation dans le cadre de la controverse entre le médecin catalan, Jean Vigorós et Martin d’Ateca. Le fragment mentionné est édité avec trois passages supplémentaires ; une description détaillée du ms. Canon. Misc. 370 (Bodleian Library, Oxford) est également fournie.
From Transition Shock to Competent Practice: Developing Preceptors to Support New Nurse Transition
Authors: Clipper Bonnie , Cherry Barbara
Published: October 2015

Background:

It is well known that new graduate nurses (NGRNs) are likely to have a difficult transition from nursing school into professional practice and often experience a phenomenon known as transition shock. Evidence suggests using preceptors as an effective method supporting the NGRNs through this difficult transition.

Method:

This project evaluated the effectiveness of a structured preceptor development program by measuring perceptions of transition to practice and first-year retention of two groups of former graduate nurses—the first comprising preceptors trained through a preceptor development program, and the second comprising preceptors who did not participate in structured training.

Results:

Graduate nurses who had well-trained preceptors had higher, more positive perceptions about their ability to render safe and optimal care, as well as higher first-year retention.

Conclusion:

A structured preceptor-training program may contribute to an improved transition to practice and improved first-year retention rates of NGRNs.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2015;46(10):448–454.
Implementation of a Preceptor Training Program
Authors: Condrey Tamara
Published: October 2015

A residency program in hospitals that use preceptorships is an important strategy for the retention of new graduate RNs. Preceptors need training to be effective in their role, and this education involves knowing how to implement the roles of the preceptor, such as role model, socializer, educator, and evaluator. A large regional medical center identified the need for a preceptor education program to improve the preceptor program experience for the preceptor and increase the retention of newly hired RNs. A preceptor training program was developed, using a blended approach. The approach included use of online modules of key concepts related to the roles of the preceptor, followed by a face-to-face class that reinforced the concepts. Increased knowledge of the preceptor’s roles can help the preceptor work with the preceptee in his or her individual unit and promote retention of the new graduate RNs as they transition to practice in their first year of employment.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2015;46(10):462–469.
New Management Strategies for Ectopia Lentis
Authors: Simon Melissa A. , Origlieri Catherine A. , Dinallo Anthony M. , Forbes Brian J. , Wagner Rudolph S. , Guo Suqin
Published: October 2015

Ectopia lentis refers to displacement of the crystalline lens in the setting of various systemic and metabolic disorders. A literature review was conducted to investigate the management of non-traumatic ectopia lentis in the pediatric population, particularly focusing on surgical intervention. Both limbal and pars plana approaches for lensectomy are well established in the literature. Surgical options for intraocular lens implantation in pediatric eyes with ectopia lentis include anterior chamber intraocular lenses and iris-fixated or scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses. Recently, the use of capsular tension rings has also been described with promising results. Visual rehabilitation and treatment of amblyopia are essential for patients within the amblyogenic age group following surgical intervention.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2015;52(5):269–281.]
Gender-Specific Factors Influencing Diabetes Self-Care Behaviors and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in South Korea
Authors: Choi Jeong Sil , Kim Bo Hwan , Chang Sun Ju
Published: October 2015

The purpose of the current study was to identify gender-specific factors influencing diabetes self-care behaviors and health-related quality of life among older adults with type 2 diabetes in South Korea. This is a secondary analysis using data from 278 older adults (77 women, 201 men) with type 2 diabetes. An independent
t
test and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data. No significant mean differences in diabetes self-care behaviors and health-related quality of life were observed according to gender. Regarding predictors by gender, the number of diabetes-related complications was a unique predictor of diabetes self-care behaviors in older men, whereas duration of diabetes and barriers were unique predictors in older women. Depression was a significant common predictor of health-related quality of life in older men and women. Nurses should be aware of and consider gender specificity when developing intervention programs for promoting self-care behaviors and health-related quality of life.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2015; 8(5):231–239.]
Characteristics of and Barriers to Functional Status Assessment in Assisted Living
Authors: Bowen Mary Elizabeth , Rowe Meredeth A. , Hart-Hughes Stephanie , Barnett Scott , Ji Ming
Published: October 2015

The most commonly used functional status (FS) instruments were examined to determine the validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity to change and feasibility in residents in an assisted living facility (ALF). Twenty-six ALF residents were assessed weekly for up to 8 months using six instruments. Group and single-subject analyses were used to examine associations between instruments and acute events. Two were problematic initially (Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living and hand grip) and were excluded early in the study. Of the remaining instruments, only the Barthel Index and Resident Assessment Instrument had acceptable psychometric profiles. However, these instruments were either not feasible in this environment or did not capture the full range of FS in this population. The current study’s findings suggest that instruments commonly used to measure FS may be inadequate for this population and environment. These findings may be used to develop assessment methods for ALF residents that capture both the full range of FS in ALF settings as well as acute and long-term changes in functioning.
[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2015; 8(5):220–230.]
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of Diabetic Retinopathy in Human Subjects
Authors: Matsunaga Douglas R. , Yi Jack J. , De Koo Lisa Olmos , Ameri Hossein , Puliafito Carmen A. , Kashani Amir H
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a novel, non-invasive OCT technique capable of imaging the retinal vasculature. This study aims to evaluate the retinal microvasculature in diabetic human subjects with OCTA and assess potential clinical applications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Cross-sectional study of 33 subjects with diabetic retinopathy. OCTA was performed on 3 mm × 3 mm sections using a swept-source OCTA prototype and a phase- and intensity-based contrasting algorithm. OCT angiograms were studied with corresponding clinical examination and fluorescein angiograms, when available, to assess accuracy and clinical utility.

RESULTS:

OCTA was able to demonstrate most clinically relevant vascular changes in subjects with diabetic retinopathy, including microaneurysms, impaired vascular perfusion, some forms of intraretinal fluid, vascular loops, intraretinal microvascular abnormalities, neovascularization, and cotton-wool spots that were largely consistent with fluorescein angiography.

CONCLUSION:

OCTA generates high-resolution angiograms that illustrate many of the clinically relevant findings in diabetic retinopathy and offers a novel complement or alternative to fluorescein angiography. Although currently an investigational technique, OCTA in combination with standard OCT imaging is at least as good as fluorescein angiography in the evaluation of the macular complications of diabetic retinopathy.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2015;46:796–805.]
Bevacizumab Versus Ranibizumab in the Treatment of Macular Edema Due to Retinal Vein Occlusion: 6-Month Results of the CRAVE Study
Authors: Rajagopal Rithwick , Shah Gaurav K. , Blinder Kevin J. , Altaweel Michael , Eliott Dean , Wee Raymond , Cooper Blake , Walia Harpreet , Smith Bradley , Joseph Daniel P.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To compare efficacy of monthly treatment with bevacizumab or ranibizumab for macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Randomized, multicenter, comparative trial (
ClinicalTrials.gov
identifier: NCT01428388). Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive monthly treatment with bevacizumab or ranibizumab. The primary outcome was change in central foveal thickness at 6 months compared to baseline.

RESULTS:

The trial randomized 98 patients to treatment with bevacizumab or ranibizumab. At 6 months, there were no differences in change in central foveal thickness between groups (bevacizumab: mean reduction of 212.6 µm, 95% confidence interval [CI], −288.3 to −137.0; ranibizumab: mean reduction of 243.8 µm, 95% CI, −309.6 to −178.0;
P
= .72, analysis of variance [ANOVA]). Both groups showed similar functional outcomes (bevacizumab: 0.33 logMAR gain, 95% CI, −0.47 to −0.18; ranibizumab: 0.34 logMAR gain, 95% CI, −0.45 to −0.23;
P
= .38, ANOVA).

CONCLUSION:

In the treatment of retinal vein occlusion, bevacizumab and ranibizumab have similar effects on reducing macular thickness and improving visual acuity.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:844–850.]
Management of Symptomatic Floaters: Current Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices Among Vitreoretinal Surgeons
Authors: Cohen Michael N. , Rahimy Ehsan , Ho Allen C. , Garg Sunir J.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To assess the current attitudes, beliefs, and practice patterns among vitreoretinal surgeons when dealing with symptomatic floaters in patients with otherwise healthy eyes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional, Internet-based anonymous survey of 10 questions was distributed via email to vitreoretinal specialists practicing in the United States.

RESULTS:

The survey response rate was 6.1% (159 of 2,600). Forty of 159 respondents (25%) reported they would perform pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) to reduce symptomatic floaters, and 110 of 159 (69%) had previously performed PPV for this indication. When compared to those unlikely to intervene for symptomatic floaters, 33 of 40 (83%) of those likely to intervene performed more than 100 vitrectomy surgical cases annually (
P
< .05). Between those that had and had not performed PPV for symptomatic floaters in the past, statistically significant differences were observed regarding the likelihood to perform PPV for symptomatic floaters in the future (35% vs. 4%;
P
< .0001) and tendency to elect a procedure if the surgeon’s own vision were impacted by symptomatic floaters (55% vs. 8%;
P
< .001). When compared to those likely to perform surgery for symptomatic floaters, those unlikely to intervene identified three statistically significant barriers: the surgical risks involved with PPV (28% vs. 86%;
P
< .001), unrealistic patient expectations (25% vs 58%;
P
< .001), and the possibility of ridicule from the local retina community (10% vs. 32%;
P
< .01).

CONCLUSION:

Vitreoretinal specialists are more likely to intervene for symptomatic floaters if they have previously done so and if they perform more than 100 surgical cases per year. The major barriers preventing physicians from performing an intervention for floaters are standard risks associated with PPV, the fear of unreasonable patient expectations, and the possibility of ridicule within the local retina community.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2015;46:859–865.]
Use of the Toric Surgical Marker to Aid in Intraoperative Plaque Placement for the USC Eye Physics Plaques to Treat Uveal Melanoma: A New Surgical Technique
Authors: Berry Jesse L. , Kim Jonathan W. , Jennelle Richard , Astrahan Melvin
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To describe a new surgical technique for intraoperative placement of Eye Physics (EP) plaques for uveal melanoma using a toric marker.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A toric marker is designed for cataract surgery to align the axis of astigmatism; its use was modified in this protocol to mark the axis of suture coordinates as calculated by Plaque Simulator (PS) software.

RESULTS:

The toric marker can be used to localize suture coordinates, in degrees, during intraoperative plaque placement. Linear marking using the toric marker decreases potential inaccuracies associated with the surgeon estimating ‘clock-hours’ by dot placement.

CONCLUSION:

Use of the toric marker aided surgical placement of EP plaques. The EP planning protocol is now designed to display the suture coordinates either by clock-hours or degrees, per surgeon preference. Future research is necessary to determine whether routine use of the toric marker improves operative efficiency.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:866–870.]
Image Scaling Difference Between a Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope and a Flash Fundus Camera
Authors: Nittala Muneeswar G. , Hariri Amirhossein , Wong Wai T. , Chew Emily Y. , Ferris Frederick L. , Sadda Srinivas R.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate scaling and measurement differences between flash and scanning laser fundus images.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The authors analyzed fundus autofluorescence images of patients with geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration imaged with both 30º confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) and 50º flash fundus camera (FFC). Multiple vessel-crossing points served as landmarks.

RESULTS:

The mean (± SD; range) scaling factor between cSLO and FFC images (by GRADOR) for the horizontal dimension was 1.217 (± 0.0487; 1.0474-1.272) versus 1.138 (± 0.0311; 1.0841-1.193) for the vertical dimension. The mean percentage difference between horizontal and vertical scaling factors was 7.48 (± 2.29; 2.30–10.70). Refractive error (focus) and aperture size (or field of view of the image) were positively correlated and aspect ratio was negatively correlated with landmark pair measurements.

CONCLUSION:

Inherent image-scaling differences between fundus autofluorescence imaging systems are not restricted to simple pixel-to-millimeter calibration variances, but appear to vary depending on measurement orientation. Differences should be considered when comparing measurements obtained using different imaging systems, particularly for clinical trials.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:872–879.]