bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tannerella forsythia GroEL induces inflammatory bone resorption and synergizes with interleukin‐17
Authors: Jung Y.‐J. , Choi Y.‐J. , An S.‐J. , Lee H.‐R. , Jun H.‐K. , Choi B.‐K.
Published: August 2016

Tannerella forsythia is a major periodontal pathogen, and T. forsythia GroEL is a molecular chaperone homologous to human heat‐shock protein 60. Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and several systemic diseases. This study investigated the potential of T. forsythia GroEL to induce inflammatory bone resorption and examined the cooperative effect of IL‐17 and T. forsythia GroEL on inflammatory responses. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts were stimulated with T. forsythia GroEL and/or IL‐17. Gene expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and concentrations of IL‐6, IL‐8, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were measured by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. After stimulation of MG63 cells with T. forsythia GroEL and/or IL‐17, gene expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) was examined. After subcutaneous injection of T. forsythia GroEL and/or IL‐17 above the calvaria of BALB/c mice, calvarial bone resorption was assessed by micro‐computed tomography and histological examination. Tannerella forsythia GroEL induced IL‐6 and IL‐8 production in HGFs and PDL cells, and IL‐17 further promoted IL‐6 and IL‐8 production. Both T. forsythia GroEL and IL‐17 synergistically increased PGE2 production and inhibited OPG gene expression. Calvarial bone resorption was induced by T. forsythia GroEL injection, and simultaneous injection of T. forsythia GroEL and IL‐17 further increased bone resorption. These results suggest that T. forsythia GroEL is a novel virulence factor that can contribute to inflammatory bone resorption caused by T. forsythia and synergizes with IL‐17 to exacerbate inflammation and bone resorption.
How Do Political Factors Shape the Bank Risk–Sovereign Risk Nexus in Emerging Markets?
Authors: Eichler Stefan
Published: August 2016

This paper studies the role of political factors for determining the impact of banking sector distress on sovereign bond yield spreads for a sample of 19 emerging market economies in the period 1994–2013. Using interaction models, I find that the adverse impact of banking sector distress on sovereign solvency is less pronounced for countries with a high degree of political stability, a high level of power sharing within the government coalition, a low level of political constraint within the political system, and for countries run by powerful and effective governments. The electoral cycle pronounces the bank risk–sovereign risk transfer.
A Demographic Deficit? Local Population Aging and Access to Services in Rural America, 1990–2010
Authors: Thiede Brian C. , Brown David L. , Sanders Scott R. , Glasgow Nina , Kulcsar Laszlo J.
Published: August 2016

Population aging is being experienced by many rural communities in the United States, as evidenced by increases in the median age and the high incidence of natural population decrease. The implications of these changes in population structure for the daily lives of the residents in such communities have received little attention. We address this issue in this study by examining the relationship between population aging and the availability of service‐providing establishments in the rural United States between 1990 and 2010. Using data mainly from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we estimate a series of fixed‐effects regression models to identify the relationship between median age and establishment counts net of changes in overall population and other factors. We find a significant but nonlinear relationship between county median age and the total number of service‐providing establishments, and counts of most specific types of services. We find a positive effect of total population size across all of our models. This total population effect is consistent with that found in other research, but the independent effect of age structure that we observe represents a novel finding and suggests that age structure is a salient factor in local rural development and community well‐being.
Distinct beneficial effects of continuous vs accumulated exercise training on cardiovascular risk factors in Wistar rats
Authors: Costa‐Pereira L. V. , Melo D. S. , Santos C. S. , Mendes B. F. , Esteves E. A. , Lacerda A. C. R. , de Miranda J. L. , Rocha‐Vieira E. , Gripp F. , Amorim F. T. , Magalhães F. C. , Dias‐Peixoto M. F.
Published: August 2016

We compared the effects of continuous exercise (CE) vs accumulated exercise (AE) training on CVD risk factors and heart of young male Wistar rats. The exercise training (ET) was performed in a swimming pool for 30–60 min/day, 5 days/week over 15 weeks. CE group performed the ET in a single long daily session (30–60 min), while AE group performed the ET at the same frequency, intensity, and duration of CE rats, but in three short bouts over the course of a day (10–20 min in three daily sessions). AE training was more efficient than CE in attenuating body and fat weight gain and inhibiting visceral adipocyte hypertrophy at the same food intake level. CE training was more efficient in improving systolic blood pressure, LDL/HDL cholesterol, and serum triglyceride. Both ET protocols increased heart function, decreased lipid peroxidation, and increased intracellular Hsp72 content in the heart. This work shows distinct beneficial effects of CE vs AE training suggesting that the prescription of one or other may be preferred to prevent the increase of a specific CVD risk factor.
Brincidofovir clearance of acyclovir‐resistant herpes simplex virus‐1 and adenovirus infection after stem cell transplantation
Authors: Voigt S. , Hofmann J. , Edelmann A. , Sauerbrei A. , Kühl J.‐S.
Published: August 2016

Infections with adenovirus (AdV) and herpesviruses can result in considerable morbidity and mortality in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivations are usually prevented by acyclovir (ACV) prophylaxis, whereas cidofovir (CDV) has been used off indication to manage AdV infections. We report a child with myelodysplastic syndrome undergoing multiple SCT, who experienced HSV‐1 disease including severe mucositis and herpetic whitlow, as well as high viral load AdV DNAemia. Both ACV and CDV were ineffective; however, viral loads were decreased with brincidofovir, resulting in viral clearance. A subsequent Epstein–Barr virus disease with relevant meningoencephalitis responded to rituximab.
Altered corticospinal function during movement preparation in humans with spinal cord injury
Authors: Federico Paolo , Perez Monica A.
Published: August 2016

Key points

In uninjured humans, transmission in the corticospinal pathway changes in a task‐dependent manner during movement preparation. We investigated whether this ability is preserved in humans with incomplete chronic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).

Our results show that corticospinal excitability is altered in the preparatory phase of an upcoming movement when there is a need to suppress but not to execute rapid index finger voluntary contractions in individuals with SCI compared with controls. This is probably related to impaired transmission at a cortical and spinal level after SCI.

Overall our findings indicate that deficits in corticospinal transmission in humans with chronic incomplete SCI are also present in the preparatory phase of upcoming movements.

Corticospinal output is modulated in a task‐dependent manner during the preparatory phase of upcoming movements in humans. Whether this ability is preserved after spinal cord injury (SCI) is unknown. In this study, we examined motor evoked potentials elicited by cortical (MEPs) and subcortical (CMEPs) stimulation of corticospinal axons and short‐interval intracortical inhibition in the first dorsal interosseous muscle in the preparatory phase of a reaction time task where individuals with chronic incomplete cervical SCI and age‐matched controls needed to suppress (NOGO) or initiate (GO) ballistic index finger isometric voluntary contractions. Reaction times were prolonged in SCI participants compared with control subjects and stimulation was provided ∼90 ms prior to movement onset in each group. During NOGO trials, both MEPs and CMEPs remained unchanged compared to baseline in SCI participants but were suppressed in control subjects. Notably, during GO trials, MEPs increased to a similar extent in both groups but CMEPs increased only in controls. The magnitude of short‐interval intracortical inhibition increased in controls but not in SCI subjects during NOGO trials and decreased in both groups in GO trials. These novel observations reveal that humans with incomplete cervical SCI have an altered ability to modulate corticospinal excitability during movement preparation when there is a need to suppress but not to execute upcoming rapid finger movements, which is probably related to impaired transmission at a cortical and spinal level. Thus, deficits in corticospinal transmission after human SCI extend to the preparatory phase of upcoming movements.
Targeted BMI1 inhibition impairs tumor growth in lung adenocarcinomas with low CEBPα expression
Authors: Yong Kol Jia , Basseres Daniela S. , Welner Robert S. , Zhang Wen Cai , Yang Henry , Yan Benedict , Alberich-Jorda Meritxell , Zhang Junyan , de Figueiredo-Pontes Lorena Lobo , Battelli Chiara , Hetherington Christopher J. , Ye Min , Zhang Hong , Maroni Giorgia , O’Brien Karen , Magli Maria Cristina , Borczuk Alain C. , Varticovski Lyuba , Kocher Olivier , Zhang Pu , Moon Young-Choon , Sydorenko Nadiya , Cao Liangxian , Davis Thomas W. , Thakkar Bhavin M. , Soo Ross A. , Iwama Atsushi , Lim Bing , Halmos Balazs , Neuberg Donna , Tenen Daniel G. , Levantini Elena
Published: August 2016

In lung cancers with low expression of C/EBPα, BMI1 expression correlates with worse prognosis but can be targeted with a drug.
Moving the needle: Optimizing classification for glioma
Authors: Verhaak Roel G. W.
Published: August 2016

Genomic markers provide unbiased information that is increasingly being used to enhance traditional histopathology approaches for classification of cancer samples.
New use for an old drug: oral ketamine for treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Swiatek Kevin M , Jordan Kim , Coffman Julie
Published: August 2016

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a disabling disorder that can interfere with a patient's capacity to understand and participate in medical care and thus negatively impact individual morbidity and mortality. Hospitalised patients with TRD may require rapid alleviation of severe symptomatology, particularly when suicidal or if unable to participate in care decisions. Ketamine is well known for its anaesthetic effects and its use as a ‘street’ drug; however, its action as an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist makes ketamine a potential therapy for TRD. The majority of studies investigating ketamine for TRD have used intravenous drug delivery, demonstrating benefit for rapid alleviation and sustained response of depression symptoms. Oral ketamine for urgent alleviation of TRD symptoms is less reported. We describe rapid alleviation of severe TRD with oral ketamine in a severely ill postoperative hospitalised patient, and review the current literature on ‘off-label’ use of ketamine for treatment of refractory depression.
Physiological and behavioral risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural India
Authors: Barik Anamitra , Mazumdar Sumit , Chowdhury Abhijit , Rai Rajesh Kumar
Published: August 2016

Background

The dynamics of physiological and behavioral risk factors of diabetes in rural India is poorly understood. Using data from a health and demographic surveillance site of Birbhum district in West Bengal, India, this study aims to assess the risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Research design and methods

A total of 7674 individuals aged ≥18 years participated in a cross-sectional study. Venous plasma glucose method was used for measuring and reporting glucose concentrations in blood, categorized as individuals with diabetes, pre-diabetes or impaired, and normoglycemic. Aside from a set of physiological and behavioral risk factors, a range of socioeconomic confounders of diabetes was computed. Bivariate analysis with χ2test, and multivariate ordered logit regression methods were deployed to attain the study's objective.

Results

Overall 2.95% and 3.34% of study participants were diagnosed as individuals with diabetes and pre-diabetes or impaired, respectively. Compared to the poorest, the richest have higher probability (β: 0.730; 95% CI 0.378 to 1.083) of being diagnosed with diabetes. As compared to people with normal body mass index, overweight/obese people are more prone to being diagnosed with diabetes (β: 0.388; 95% CI 0.147 to 0.628). With a decreasing level of physical activity, people are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes.

Conclusions

To curb the level of diabetes, this study recommends a culturally sensitive, focused intervention for the adoption of physical activity with more traditional dietary practices, to control the level of overweight/obesity. Attention should be paid to relatively older patients with diabetes or adults with pre-diabetes.
International palliative care research in the context of global development: a systematic mapping review
Authors: Clark Joseph , Gardiner Clare , Barnes Amy
Published: August 2016

Context

An increasing amount of health policy is formulated at global level. At this global level, palliative care has attracted support primarily from normative institutions (WHO), not funding agencies. To attract greater global attention from policymakers, it has been argued that an international approach to research is required. However, the extent to which an international approach is being undertaken is unknown.

Objectives

To systematically identify and thematically synthesise all international palliative care research, defined as research involving two or more countries, or focused on the global level.

Methods

Five bibliographic databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ASSIA, Web of Knowledge, Psychinfo) were searched for journal articles relevant to international and global palliative care and end-of-life care. Data were extracted using a piloted extraction form and findings were synthesised.

Results

184 studies were included, published across 75 different academic journals. Research emanates from and focuses on all world regions and there is increasing focus on the global level. Thematically, there is a high focus on Evaluation (n=53) and views of Stakeholders (n=38). The review revealed a predominantly observational research approach and few interventional studies were identified.

Conclusions

International palliative care research is a relatively new, but growing field. However, many gaps in the evidence base remain and palliative care research continues to take place outside broader discourses of international development. The relative absence of interventional research demonstrating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of palliative care risks limiting the tools with which advocates can engage with international policymakers on this topic.
HBME-1 is expressed by erythroid precursors in early maturation stage and can be a valuable tool for evaluation of dyserythropoiesis in bone marrow core biopsy specimens
Authors: Arana Riad , Lusina Daniel , Braun Thorsten , Letestu Rémi , Gardin Claude , Martin Antoine
Published: August 2016

The reaction of Hector Battifora mesothelial epitope-1 (HBME-1) antibody with scattered pronormoblasts in normal bone marrow core biopsy specimens has been reported. This study evaluated the immunohistochemical profile of HBME-1 in a panel of 52 normal, dyserythropoietic and neoplastic marrow samples. We compared the staining property of HBME-1 with that of the commonly used erythroid marker, glycophorin A (CD235a) and in each case, we semi-quantitatively evaluated the HBME-1/CD235a-positive cells ratio. In normal samples, HBME-1 labelled scattered immature erythroid precursors. In dyserythropoietic specimens, HBME-1 stained nucleated erythroid precursors in varying degrees, from pronormoblast through normoblast stages, with the highest intensity in immature forms. Overall, the cellular background of non-erythroid progenitors, erythrocytes and neoplastic cells did not react with HBME-1, except in leukaemia cases with myelodysplasia-related changes. Our study shows that HBME-1 is a useful marker to identify immature erythroid precursors and that an HBME-1/CD235a-positive cells ratio ≥10% is associated with dyserythropoiesis.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and Crohn disease
Authors: Butnor Kelly J , Pavlisko Elizabeth N , Sporn Thomas A , Roggli Victor L
Published: August 2016

Aims

Mesothelial reaction simulating peritoneal diffuse malignant mesothelioma (MM) has been reported in the setting of Crohn ileitis. To our knowledge, peritoneal MM arising in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been reported. The purpose of this study is to report the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with peritoneal MM and IBD.

Methods

A database of approximately 3800 MM was reviewed for cases of MM in patients with IBD.

Results

Three patients (0.08%) with peritoneal MM and Crohn disease (CD) were identified, including two women and one man ranging in age from 56 to 65 years. All had a long-standing history of diarrhoea and an established diagnosis of CD of 3 years or greater duration. Two had epithelial MM and one had biphasic MM. Only one had documented asbestos exposure.

Conclusions

Peritoneal MM occurs rarely in patients with IBD, but interestingly, has only been observed in the setting of CD and not in patients with ulcerative colitis. Chronic inflammation has been associated with the development of MM in rare instances and these three cases suggest that CD with transmural inflammation may also be a precursor. The precise role of CD-related transmural inflammation in the carcinogenesis of peritoneal MM remains to be determined.
Prediction of spudcan penetration resistance profile in stiff-over-soft clays
Authors: Zheng J. , Hossain M.S. , Wang D.
Published: August 2016

Spudcan punch-through during installation and preloading process is one of the key concerns for the jack-up industry. This incident occurs in layered deposits, with new design approaches for spudcan penetration in sand-over-clay deposits reported recently. This paper reports a novel design approach for spudcan penetration in stiff-over-soft clay deposits. Large-deformation finite element (LDFE) analyses were carried out using the Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) approach. The clay was modelled using the extended elastic – perfectly plastic Tresca soil model allowing strain softening and rate dependency of the undrained shear strength. A detailed parametric study was undertaken, varying the strength ratio between bottom and top soil layers, the thickness of the top layer relative to the spudcan diameter, and degree of nonhomogeneity of the bottom layer. Existing data from centrifuge model tests were first used to validate the LDFE results, and then the measured and computed datasets were used to develop the formulas in the proposed design approach. The approach accounts for the soil plug in the bottom layer, and the corresponding additional resistance. Where there is the potential for punch-through, the approach provides estimations of the depth and bearing capacity at punch-through, the bearing capacity at the stiff–soft layer interface, and the bearing capacity in the bottom layer. Comparison shows that the punch-through method suggested in ISO standard 19905-1 provides a conservative estimate of the bearing capacity at punch-through, with guidelines provided to improve the method.
The research progress of Li-ion battery separators with inorganic oxide nanoparticles by electrospinning: A mini review
Authors: Chen Hong-Li , Jiao Xiao-Ning , Zhou Jin-Tao
Published: August 2016

The technology of Lithium-ion battery (LIB) separator has become more and more mature. But there are still many problems that needed to be resolved. For example, its mechanical strength is low relatively, thermal stability is bad and the porosity and electrochemical performance are imperfect. This paper introduces modification of electrospinning LIB separator from the way of adding nanoparticles, including SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3 and copper titanate oxide, etc. And addition methods include dissolving in dispersant, dissolving in polymer solution, coating and in situ method. The modified membranes possess higher ionic conductivity which can reach to the level of 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s/cm.
An Overview of Ocean Thermal and Geothermal Energy Conversion Technologies and Systems
Authors: Faizal Mohammed , Bouazza Abdelmalek , Singh Rao M.
Published: August 2016

The Earth and the oceans have a natural temperature gradient between the surface and given depths. The natural temperature gradient is used to operate renewable energy systems, such as power generation and space heating/cooling, which operate on similar thermodynamic concepts. For a given purpose, different technologies are used to extract heat from the two resources. Even though the concepts of the two systems are the same, their energy extracting performance is different. An overview of the similarities between the usages of the two thermal resources is presented in this paper. The energy balances at the surface of the Earth and the oceans, system performances, availabilities and economics are also presented.
On the Phase Coupling of Two Components Mixing in Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Laszuk Dawid , Cadenas Jose O. , Nasuto Slawomir J.
Published: August 2016

This paper investigates frequency mixing effect of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and explores whether it can be explained by simple phase coupling between components of the input signal. The input is assumed to be a linear combination of harmonic oscillators. The hypothesis was tested assuming that phases of input signals’ components would couple according to Kuramoto’s model. Using a Kuramoto’s model with as many oscillators as the number of intrinsic mode functions (result of EMD), the model’s parameters were adjusted by a particle swarm optimization (PSO) method. The results show that our hypothesis is plausible, however, a different coupling mechanism than the simple sine-coupling Kuramoto’s model are likely to give better results.
Expression of miRNA-122 Induced by Liver Toxicants in Zebrafish
Authors: Nam Hyun-Sik , Hwang Kyu-Seok , Jeong Yun-Mi , Ryu Jeong-Im , Choi Tae-Young , Bae Myung-Ae , Son Woo-Chan , You Kwan-Hee , Son Hwa-Young , Kim Cheol-Hee
Published: August 2016

MicroRNA-122 (miRNA-122), also known as liver-specific miRNA, has recently been shown to be a potent biomarker in response to liver injury in mammals. The objective of this study was to examine its expression in response to toxicant treatment and acute liver damage, using the zebrafish system as an alternative model organism. For the hepatotoxicity assay, larval zebrafish were arrayed in 24-well plates. Adult zebrafish were also tested and arrayed in 200 mL cages. Animals were exposed to liver toxicants (tamoxifen or acetaminophen) at various doses, and miRNA-122 expression levels were analyzed using qRT-PCR in dissected liver, brain, heart, and intestine, separately. Our results showed no significant changes in miRNA-122 expression level in tamoxifen-treated larvae; however, miRNA-122 expression was highly induced in tamoxifen-treated adults in a tissue-specific manner. In addition, we observed a histological change in adult liver (0.5 μM) and cell death in larval liver (5 μM) at different doses of tamoxifen. These results indicated that miRNA-122 may be utilized as a liver-specific biomarker for acute liver toxicity in zebrafish.
Changes in the Interstitial Cells of Cajal and Immunity in Chronic Psychological Stress Rats and Therapeutic Effects of Acupuncture at the Zusanli Point (ST36)
Authors: Liu Mucang , Zhang Shenglin , Gai Yue , Xie Mingzheng , Qi Qinghui
Published: August 2016

Now, chronic psychological stress (CPS) related diseases are increasing. Many CPS patients have gastrointestinal complaints, immune suppression, and immune imbalance. Increasing evidence is indicating that acupuncture (AP) at the Zusanli point (ST36) can alleviate functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), immune suppression, and immune imbalance. However, few studies have investigated the potential mechanisms. In this study, CPS rat models were established, and electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 was done for CPS rats. Daily food intake, weight, intestinal sensitivity, the morphology of interstitial cell of Cajal (ICC) in the small intestine, and serum indexes were measured. The study found that, in CPS rats, EA at ST36 could improve food intake, weight, visceral hypersensitivity, and immunity; in CPS rats, in small intestine, the morphology of ICCs was abnormal and the number was decreased, which may be part causes of gastrointestinal motility dysfunction. EA at ST36 showed useful therapeutic effects. The mechanisms may be partially related to its repairing effects on ICCs damages; in CPS rats, there were immune suppression and immune imbalance, which may be part causes of visceral hypersensitivity. EA at ST36 showed useful therapeutic effects. The mechanisms may be partially related to its regulation on immunity.
Gastric Medullary Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Aslan Ferit , Yükrük Fisun Ardıç , Buğdaycı Başal Fatma , Durnalı Ayşe
Published: August 2016

A case of 64-year-old female patient with early stage gastric medullary carcinoma has been presented, along with a review of the literature.
Explicit Bounds and Sharp Results for the Composition Operators Preserving the Exponential Class
Authors: Farroni Fernando , Giova Raffaella
Published: August 2016

Letf:Ω⊂Rn→Rnbe aquasiconformal mappingwhose Jacobian is denoted byJfand letEXP(Ω)be the space of exponentially integrable functions onΩ. We give an explicit bound for the norm of the composition operatorTf:u∈EXP(Ω)↦u∘f-1∈EXP(f(Ω))and, as a related question, we study the behaviour of the norm oflog⁡Jfin the exponential class. TheA∞property ofJfis the counterpart in higher dimensions of the area distortion formula due to Astala in the plane and it is the key tool to prove the sharpness of our results.
Research on Path Planning Method of Coal Mine Robot to Avoid Obstacle in Gas Distribution Area
Authors: Mao Ruiqing , Ma Xiliang
Published: August 2016

As the explosion-proof safety level of a coal mine robot has not yet reached the level of intrinsic safety “ia” and it cannot work in a dangerous gas distribution area, therefore, path planning methods for coal mine robot to avoid the dangerous area of gas are necessary. In this paper, to avoid a secondary explosion when the coal mine robot passes through gas hazard zones, a path planning method is proposed with consideration of gas concentration distributions. First, with consideration of gas distribution area and obstacles, MAKLINK method is adopted to describe the working environment network diagram of the coal mine robot. Second, the initial working paths for the coal mine robot are obtained based on Dijkstra algorithm, and then the global optimal working path for the coal mine robot is obtained based on ant colony algorithm. Lastly, experiments are conducted in a roadway after an accident, and results by different path planning methods are compared, which verified the effectiveness of the proposed path planning method.
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Relays Metabolic Signals to Promote Cellular Regeneration
Authors: Casado Fanny L.
Published: August 2016

While sensing the cell environment, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) interacts with different pathways involved in cellular homeostasis. This review summarizes evidence suggesting that cellular regeneration in the context of aging and diseases can be modulated by AHR signaling on stem cells. New insights connect orphaned observations into AHR interactions with critical signaling pathways such as WNT to propose a role of this ligand‐activated transcription factor in the modulation of cellular regeneration by altering pathways that nurture cellular expansion such as changes in the metabolic efficiency rather than by directly altering cell cycling, proliferation, or cell death. Targeting the AHR to promote regeneration might prove to be a useful strategy to avoid unbalanced disruptions of homeostasis that may promote disease and also provide biological rationale for potential regenerative medicine approaches.
Effects of 8-Week Hatha Yoga Training on Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers in Healthy, Female Chinese Subjects: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Chen Neng , Xia Xianghou , Qin Liqiang , Luo Li , Han Shufen , Wang Guiping , Zhang Ru , Wan Zhongxiao
Published: August 2016

We aimed to determine the effects of an 8 wk Hatha yoga training on blood glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, endothelial microparticles (EMPs), and inflammatory status in healthy, lean, and female Chinese subjects. A total of 30 healthy, female Chinese subjects were recruited and randomized into control or yoga practice group. The yoga practice included 8 wks of yoga practice (2 times/wk) for a total of 16 times. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after yoga training. Plasma was isolated for the measurement of lipid profiles, glucose, insulin, EMPs, and inflammatory cytokines. Whole blood was culturedex vivoand stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Pam3Cys-SK4. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated for the measurement of TLR2 and TLR4 protein expression. Yoga practice significantly reduced plasma cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, insulin levels, and CD31+/CD42b− EMPs. Cultured whole blood from the yoga group has reduced proinflammatory cytokines secretion both at unstimulated condition and when stimulated with Pam3Cys-SK4; this might be associated with reduced TLR2 protein expression in PBMCs after yoga training. Hatha yoga practice in healthy Chinese female subjects could improve hallmarks related to MetS; thus it can be considered as an ancillary intervention in the primary MetS prevention for the healthy population. This trial is registered withChiCTR-IOR-14005747.
Detection of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases Resistance Genes among Bacteria Isolated from Selected Drinking Water Distribution Channels in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adesoji Ayodele T. , Ogunjobi Adeniyi A.
Published: August 2016

Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL) provide high level resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics among bacteria. In this study, previously described multidrug resistant bacteria from raw, treated, and municipal taps of DWDS from selected dams in southwestern Nigeria were assessed for the presence of ESBL resistance genes which includeblaTEM,blaSHV, andblaCTXby PCR amplification. A total of 164 bacteria spread across treated (33), raw (66), and municipal taps (68), belonging toα-Proteobacteria,β-Proteobacteria,γ-Proteobacteria, Flavobacteriia, Bacilli, and Actinobacteria group, were selected for this study. Among these bacteria, the most commonly observed resistance was for ampicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (61 isolates). Sixty-one isolates carried at least one of the targeted ESBL genes withblaTEMbeing the most abundant (50/61) andblaCTXbeing detected least (3/61).Klebsiellawas the most frequently identified genus (18.03%) to harbour ESBL gene followed byProteus(14.75%). Moreover, combinations of two ESBL genes,blaSHV+blaTEMorblaCTX+blaTEM, were observed in 11 and 1 isolate, respectively. In conclusion, classicblaTEMESBL gene was present in multiple bacterial strains that were isolated from DWDS sources in Nigeria. These environments may serve as foci exchange of genetic traits in a diversity of Gram-negative bacteria.
LPPS: A Distributed Cache Pushing BasedK-Anonymity Location Privacy Preserving Scheme
Authors: Chen Ming , Li Wenzhong , Chen Xu , Li Zhuo , Lu Sanglu , Chen Daoxu
Published: August 2016

Recent years have witnessed the rapid growth of location-based services (LBSs) for mobile social network applications. To enable location-based services, mobile users are required to report their location information to the LBS servers and receive answers of location-based queries. Location privacy leak happens when such servers are compromised, which has been a primary concern for information security. To address this issue, we propose the Location Privacy Preservation Scheme (LPPS) based on distributed cache pushing. Unlike existing solutions, LPPS deploys distributed cache proxies to cover users mostly visited locations and proactively push cache content to mobile users, which can reduce the risk of leaking users’ location information. The proposed LPPS includes three major process. First, we propose an algorithm to find the optimal deployment of proxies to cover popular locations. Second, we present cache strategies for location-based queries based on the Markov chain model and propose update and replacement strategies for cache content maintenance. Third, we introduce a privacy protection scheme which is proved to achievek-anonymity guarantee for location-based services. Extensive experiments illustrate that the proposed LPPS achieves decent service coverage ratio and cache hit ratio with lower communication overhead compared to existing solutions.
On Inclusion Relations between Some Sequence Spaces
Authors: Çolak R. , Bektaş Ç. A. , Altınok H. , Ercan S.
Published: August 2016

We determine the relations between the classes S^λ of almost λ-statistically convergent sequences and the relations between the classes V^,λ of strongly almost V,λ-summable sequences for various sequences λ, μ in the class Λ. Furthermore we also give the relations between the classes S^λ of almost λ-statistically convergent sequences and the classes V^,λ of strongly almost V,λ-summable sequences for various sequences λ,μ∈Λ.
A Scaphoid Stress Fracture in a Female Collegiate-Level Shot-Putter and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kohring Jessica M. , Curtiss Heather M. , Tyser Andrew R.
Published: August 2016

Scaphoid stress fractures are rare injuries that have been described in young, high-level athletes who exhibit repetitive loading with the wrist in extension. We present a case of an occult scaphoid stress fracture in a 22-year-old female Division I collegiate shot-putter. She was successfully treated with immobilization in a thumb spica splint for 6 weeks. Loaded wrist extension activities can predispose certain high-level athletes to sustain scaphoid stress fractures, and a high index of suspicion in this patient population may aid prompt diagnosis and management of this rare injury.
Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma Presenting as Abdominal Pain with a Pulsatile Mass
Authors: Moradi Arash , Afsharfard Abolfazl , Atqiaee Khashayar
Published: August 2016

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is a rare tumor that mostly involves adults aged 50 to 70. The most common anatomic location is the lower extremities. MFH of the retroperitoneum usually manifests late in its course and may be initially mistaken with other more common diagnosis. Here, the authors describe a 60-year-old man that was brought to the emergency department with a chief complaint of periumbilical abdominal pain. Our patient presented with symptoms consistent with a symptomatic aortic aneurysm, but a mass was encountered during surgery. In such circumstances the diagnosis of malignant sarcoma must be kept in mind and attempts at full resection with tumor-free margins are necessary.
Regression of Chemotherapy-Resistant Polymerase ϵ (POLE) Ultra-Mutated and MSH6 Hyper-Mutated Endometrial Tumors with Nivolumab
Authors: Santin Alessandro D. , Bellone Stefania , Buza Natalia , Choi Jungmin , Schwartz Peter E. , Schlessinger Joseph , Lifton Richard P.
Published: August 2016

Purpose: The management of endometrial carcinoma no longer amenable to treatment with surgery or radiotherapy has not improved significantly with modern chemotherapy. Alternative therapeutic options are desperately needed.

Experimental Design: We describe 2 heavily pretreated patients with recurrent disease refractory to surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy who were treated with the anti–PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab.

Results: Patient #1 harbored an ultra-mutated tumor (mutation load/MB = 117.3, total mutations = 4,660) driven by mutation in the exonuclease domain of the DNA polymerase ϵ gene. Patient #2 harbored a hyper-mutated tumor (mutation load/MB = 33.5, total mutations = 1,037) due to a germinal MSH6 gene mutation. Both patients demonstrated a remarkable clinical response to the anti–PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab. Patients' clinical responses remain unchanged at the time of the writing of this report, with no grade 3 or higher side effects reported to date.

Conclusions: Anti–PD-1 inhibitors represent a novel treatment option for recurrent/metastatic, ultra/hyper-mutated human tumors refractory to salvage treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 22(23); 5682–7. ©2016 AACR.

See related commentary by Piulats and Matias-Guiu, p. 5623
Funduscopic versus HRT III Confocal Scanner Vertical Cup-Disc Ratio Assessment in Normal Tension and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (The Leuven Eye Study)
Authors: Willekens Koen , Bataillie Sophie , Sarens Inge , Odent Sofie , Abegão Pinto Luìs , Vandewalle Evelien , Van Keer Karel , Stalmans Ingeborg
Published: August 2016

Purpose: To compare funduscopic and confocal scanning vertical cup-disc ratio (VCDR) assessments and their respective predictive value for estimating functional glaucomatous damage. Methods: Data from a single eye of open angle glaucoma patients from the Leuven Eye Study were included: age, gender, intra-ocular pressure, visual acuity, refractive error, visual field mean deviation and pattern standard deviation, funduscopic and HRT III VCDRs as well as mean retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. Non-parametric tests to compare differences within and between diagnostic groups were used, and receiver-operating characteristic curves as well as Bland-Altman plots constructed. Results: Three hundred and one eyes of 301 subjects with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG) were included. The average VCDR assessed with HRT III was significantly smaller than the funduscopic measurement (0.69 ± 0.16 vs. 0.81 ± 0.14, respectively; p < 0.001). The predictive value of both measurement techniques did not differ in NTG patients, but the funduscopic estimate yielded a significantly larger predictive power in patients with severe POAG. Conclusion: Funduscopic and confocal scanner estimates of VCDR differ significantly and should not be used interchangeably. In POAG patients with severe glaucoma, a subjective VCDR predicts functional glaucomatous damage significantly better.
Is It Desirable that I Must Disclose My Genetic Data to Swiss Private Medical Insurances?
Authors: Bräm Corina , Szucs Thomas
Published: August 2016

Genetic testing has far-reaching consequences, not only in terms of immediate patient management and the wider implications for the patient and their families, but also with respect to disclosure to insurance companies. The focus of this review is the controversial but important topic of the use of genetic data in private medical insurance. We discuss the current legal regulation of genetic data in the context of Swiss insurance, what type(s) of information is relevant to insurance companies, and why ‘genetic exceptionalism' (the notion that genetic data has special status) persists. Furthermore, we discuss the sensitive area of handling genetic data from children. The consequences of legal regulation of disclosure of genetic information are considered, particularly from the economic perspective. Finally, we examine how legal conditions correspond to current insurance practice and contrast the Swiss system with the handling of genetic data in other countries in the context of private insurance. Switzerland has adopted fairly ‘laissez-faire' regulations compared to other countries, and the public need education on the potential effects of genetic testing on their insurance, especially with respect to direct-to-consumer genetic testing, where there is no consultation from a qualified doctor, or when minors are involved.
Diversity of Bacterial Urine and Prostate Gland Tissue Cultures in Patients Undergoing Transurethral Prostate Gland Resection
Authors: Heidler Stefan , Bretterbauer Katharina , Schwarz Stephan , Albrecht Walter
Published: August 2016

Introduction: The objective of this study was to identify the types of bacterial colonization of the prostate gland tissue and urine pre- and postoperatively in patients undergoing a transurethral resection (TUR) of the prostate gland. In addition, clinical symptoms and histopathological findings were included. Material and Methods: Forty three patients were investigated. Urine test strips and urine cultures were taken pre- and postoperatively and intraoperatively prostate resection chips were taken for culture. Results: A positive bacterial culture was found in 20 of 43 (46.5%) patients. Preoperatively, a positive bacterial culture was found in 12 patients and postoperatively in 7 patients. Thirteen patients showed a positive culture of the prostate gland tissue. No patient showed the same bacterial isolates in all 3 samples. Postinterventionally, 6 patients of the group with positive bacterial cultures developed complications. From the group of patients without bacterial growth, only one patient developed a postoperative complication. Conclusion: The bacterial colonization in the 3 different cultures showed an inhomogeneous spectrum of bacteria without a reproducible pattern. Nevertheless, it clearly demonstrates that the group with a positive culture is at great risk to develop postoperative complications.
Aspiration Thrombectomy After Intravenous Alteplase Versus Intravenous Alteplase Alone
Authors: Mocco J , Zaidat Osama O. , von Kummer Rüdiger , Yoo Albert J. , Gupta Rishi , Lopes Demetrius , Frei Don , Shownkeen Harish , Budzik Ron , Ajani Zahra A. , Grossman Aaron , Altschul Dorethea , McDougall Cameron , Blake Lindsey , Fitzsimmons Brian-Fred , Yavagal Dileep , Terry John , Farkas Jeffrey , Lee Seon Kyu , Baxter Blaise , Wiesmann Martin , Knauth Michael , Heck Donald , Hussain Syed , Chiu David , Alexander Michael J. , Malisch Timothy , Kirmani Jawad , Miskolczi Laszlo , Khatri Pooja
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose—

Thrombectomy, primarily with stent retrievers with or without adjunctive aspiration, provided clinical benefit across multiple prospective randomized trials. Whether this benefit is exclusive to stent retrievers is unclear.

Methods—

THERAPY (The Randomized, Concurrent Controlled Trial to Assess the Penumbra System’s Safety and Effectiveness in the Treatment of Acute Stroke; NCT01429350) was an international, multicenter, prospective, randomized (1:1), open label, blinded end point evaluation, concurrent controlled clinical trial of aspiration thrombectomy after intravenous alteplase (IAT) administration compared with intravenous-alteplase alone in patients with large vessel ischemic stroke because of a thrombus length of ≥8 mm. The primary efficacy end point was the percent of patients achieving independence at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2; intention-to-treat analysis). The primary safety end point was the rate of severe adverse events (SAEs) by 90 days (as treated analysis). Patients were randomized 1:1 across 36 centers in 2 countries (United States and Germany).

Results—

Enrollment was halted after 108 (55 IAT and 53 intravenous) patients (of 692 planned) because of external evidence of the added benefit of endovascular therapy to intravenous-alteplase alone. Functional independence was achieved in 38% IAT and 30% intravenous intention-to-treat groups (
P
=0.52). Intention-to-treat ordinal modified Rankin Scale odds ratio was 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.86–3.59;
P
=0.12) in favor of IAT. Secondary efficacy analyses all demonstrated a consistent direction of effect toward benefit of IAT. No differences in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates (9.3% IAT versus 9.7% intravenous,
P
=1.0) or 90-day mortality (IAT: 12% versus intravenous: 23.9%,
P
=0.18) were observed.

Conclusions—

THERAPY did not achieve its primary end point in this underpowered sample. Directions of effect for all prespecified outcomes were both internally and externally consistent toward benefit. It is possible that an alternate method of thrombectomy, primary aspiration, will benefit selected patients harboring large vessel occlusions. Further study on this topic is indicated.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01429350.
Edraianthus stankovicii (Campanulaceae), an overlooked taxon from the Balkan Peninsula—Evidence from morphometric, molecular and genome size studies
Authors: LAKUŠIĆ DMITAR , STEFANOVIĆ SAŠA , SILJAK-YAKOVLEV SONIA , RAKIĆ TAMARA , KUZMANOVIĆ NEVENA , SURINA BOŠTJAN
Published: August 2016

The taxonomically intricate Edraianthus dalmaticus-serbicus group within E. tenuifolius-complex in the Balkan Peninsula is reviewed using morphological, molecular and genome size data based on extensive sampling of populations across the species’ range. The phylogenetic analyses based on Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs), plastid DNA (trnL-F region and rbcL-atpB spacer) and nuclear ribosomal external transcribed spacer (nrETS) sequences confirmed the monophyly of E. serbicus as traditionally defined but have also revealed the presence of two distinct and allopatrically distributed taxa. The genome size and morphological analyses, performed on the same widespread sample of populations, largely corresponded with molecular results, allowing us to raise the overlooked taxon E. serbicus subsp. stankovici, to the species level. The names Edraianthus serbicus and E. serbicus subsp. stankovicii (≡ E. stankovicii) are typified. Furthermore, a new differential diagnosis, description and illustration of E. stankovicii are provided, as well as its conservation status is assessed. Edraianthus stankovicii is a rare and critically endangered stenoendemic taxon, with the distribution limited only to Mts. Veliki Krš and Stol in NE Serbia.
A new species of Quercus, section Lobatae (Fagaceae) from the Sierra Madre Oriental, Mexico
Authors: VALENCIA-A SUSANA , ROSALES JOSE LUCIANO SABAS , ARELLANO OSCAR JAVIER SOTO
Published: August 2016

Quercus meavei is described and illustrated as a new species of section Lobatae in the Sierra Madre Oriental. It is compared to Q. albocincta, Q. acutifolia, Q. furfuracea, Q. grahamii, Q. skinneri, Q. uxoris and Q. xalapensis in the Acutifoliae group, which present a biennial pattern of maturation of fruits. Quercus meavei differs from these species in having ovoid to subspherical and glabrate acorns, leaves with a greater number of secondary veins [(12)14–19] impressed adaxially, a crispate leaf margin, long-ovoid buds with golden trichomes towards the apical scales and branchlets usually fulvo-tomentose.