bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case of Abnormal Lymphatic-Like Differentiation and Endothelial Progenitor Cell Activation in Neovascularization Associated with Hemi-Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Loukovaara Sirpa , Gucciardo Erika , Repo Pauliina , Lohi Jouko , Salven Petri , Lehti Kaisa
Published: July 2015

Purpose: Pathological vascular differentiation in retinal vein occlusion (RVO)-related neovessel formation remains poorly characterized. The role of intraocular lymphatic-like differentiation or endothelial progenitor cell activity has not been studied in this disease. Methods: Vitrectomy was performed in an eye with hemi-RVO; the neovessel membrane located at the optic nerve head was removed and subjected to immunohistochemistry. Characterization of the neovascular tissue was performed using hematoxylin and eosin, α-smooth muscle actin, and the pan-endothelial cell (EC) adhesion molecule CD31. The expression of lymphatic EC markers was studied by lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE-1), podoplanin (PDPN), and prospero-related homeobox protein 1 (Prox-1). Potential vascular stem/progenitor cells were identified by active cellular proliferation (Ki67) and expression of the stem cell marker CD117. Results: The specimen contained blood vessels lined by ECs and surrounded by pericytes. Immunoreactivity for LYVE-1 and Prox-1 was detected, with Prox-1 being more widely expressed in the active Ki67-positive lumen-lining cells. PDPN expression was instead found in the cells residing in the extravascular tissue. Expression of the stem cell markers CD117 and Ki67 suggested vascular endothelial progenitor cell activity. Conclusions: Intraocular lymphatic-like differentiation coupled with progenitor cell activation may be involved in the pathology of neovessel formation in ischemia-induced human hemi-RVO.
Characteristics of Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma Limited to the Glomerular Capillaries: A Case Report
Authors: Hasegawa Jumpei , Hoshino Junichi , Suwabe Tatsuya , Hayami Noriko , Sumida Keiichi , Mise Koki , Ueno Toshiharu , Sawa Naoki , Wake Atsushi , Ohashi Kenichi , Fujii Takeshi , Honda Kazuho , Takaichi Kenmei , Ubara Yoshifumi
Published: July 2015

A 65-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for the evaluation of rapidly progressive renal dysfunction with serum creatinine of 2.7 mg/dl and urinary protein of 1.5 g daily. C-reactive protein (CRP) was 0.1 mg/dl. Kidney-limited intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVL) localized to the glomerular capillaries was diagnosed because the intraglomerular cells were positive for CD20 and CD79a, while there was no positivity in the extraglomerular kidney and extrarenal organs. Treatment with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunomycin, vincristine, and prednisolone was started, and the patient has since been doing well. When IVL is limited to the intraglomerular capillaries, CRP may not be elevated.
Rapid stabilisation of atherosclerotic plaque with 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated sonodynamic therapy
Authors: Wang Liping , Wang Tengyu , Peng Chenghai , Wang Wei , Tian Zhen , Zhao Ruibo , Cao Wenwu , Li Zhitao , Sun Xin , Guo Shuyuan , Tian Ye
Published: July 2015

5-Aminolevulinic acid-mediated sonodynamic therapy (ALA-SDT) effectively induces the apoptosis of atherogenic macrophages, but whether it can stabilise atherosclerotic plaque in vivo is unclear. Here, we used an animal model to evaluate the effects of ALA-SDT on plaque stabilisation. Sixty rabbits were induced atherosclerotic plaques in the femoral artery with a combination of silastic tube placement with atherogenic diet, and randomly assigned into control (n = 12) and SDT (n = 48) groups. In the SDT group, after intravenous injected with ALA (60 mg/kg) animals underwent the treatment of ultrasound with intensities of 0.75, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00 W/cm2 (n = 12 for each intensity). Seven days after the treatment, the plaque disruption assay was performed to test plaque stability. We found that ALA-SDT with ultrasound intensity of 1.5 W/cm2 showed the strongest efficacy to stabilise plaques. Under this condition, the frequency of plaque disruption decreased by 88 % (p < 0.01), positive area of macrophages reduced by 94 % (p < 0.001) and percentage content of lipids dropped by 60 % (p < 0.001), while percentage content of collagens increased by 127 % (p < 0.001). We also found that the plaque stabilisation by ALA-SDT was associated with increased macrophage apoptosis and apoptotic cell clearance. Moreover, ALA-SDT decreased the contents and activities of matrix metalloproteinase-2,9 and increased the levels of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1,2 in plaques. Our studies demonstrate that ALA-SDT promotes plaque stabilisation by inducing macrophage elimination and inhibiting matrix degradation. This method might be a promising regimen for atherosclerosis therapy.
High levels of TSP1+/CD142+ platelet-derived microparticles characterise young patients with high cardiovascular risk and subclinical atherosclerosis
Authors: Suades Rosa , Padró Teresa , Alonso Rodrigo , Mata Pedro , Badimon Lina
Published: July 2015

Circulating microparticles (cMPs) play important roles in cellular crosstalk and are messengers of cell activation. We have previously reported that platelet-released microparticles (pMPs) stimulate thrombosis and that lipid-lowering treatment as per guidelines in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is not sufficiently effective in reducing pro-inflammatory cell activation and, consequently, CD45+/CD3+-lymphocyte-derived cMP shedding. FH patients, due to life-long vascular exposure to high LDL-cholesterol levels, are at high cardiovascular risk (HCVR) and develop premature coronary artery disease. Our objectives were to investigate a) whether patients with HCVR have cMPs with a prothrombotic phenotype, and b) whether patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of lipid-rich atherosclerotic lesions have a specific cMP profile regarding prothrombotic protein cargos. cMPs were isolated from HCVR-patients and from age/gender/treatment-matched control patients. cMP phenotype was characterised by triple-labelling flow cytometry. HCVR--patients have higher numbers of pMPs derived from activated platelets as well as of tissue factor-rich microparticles (TF+-cMPs) than controls (P< 0.0001). TF+-cMPs showed procoagulant activity, which associate with atherosclerotic plaque burden, indicating that TF in the cMPs is functional. In HCVR-patients, overall TF+-cMPs (monocyte-derived [CD142+/CD14+] and platelet-derived [CD142+/TSP1+]) and activated pMPs directly correlate with MRI-detected lipid-rich atherosclerotic plaques while inversely correlate with MRI-detected calcified plaques. C-statistics analysis showed that prothrombotic cMPs add significant prognostic value to a risk factor model for the prediction of lipid-rich plaques. In conclusion, the activation status of blood cells in HCVR-patients differed markedly from controls as shown by higher circulating levels of prothrombotic and TF+-cMPs. Prothrombotic cMP numbers identify subclinical atherosclerotic plaque burden.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Intravenous Inotropic Therapy in Advanced Heart Failure
Authors: Hashim Taimoor , Sanam Kumar , Revilla-Martinez Marina , Morgan Charity J. , Tallaj Jose A. , Pamboukian Salpy V. , Loyaga-Rendon Renzo Y. , George James F. , Acharya Deepak
Published: July 2015

Background—

Inotrope use in heart failure treatment was associated with improved symptoms, but worse survival in clinical trials. However, these studies predated use of modern heart failure therapies. This study evaluates contemporary outcomes on long-term inotropes.

Methods and Results—

We collected baseline and postinotrope data on 197 patients discharged on inotropes between January 2007 and March 2013. Baseline characteristics, hemodynamic and clinical changes on inotropes, and survival were evaluated. Patients initiated on inotropes had refractory heart failure, with median baseline New York Heart Association class IV, cardiac index of 1.7 L/min per m
2
, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 25.6 mm Hg, and left ventricular ejection fraction of 18.7%. Inotropes were used in patients listed for transplant or scheduled for left ventricular assist device (LVAD; 60 patients), in patients being evaluated for LVAD/transplant (20 patients), for stabilization pending cardiac resynchronization therapy/percutaneous coronary intervention (4 patients), in patients who were offered LVAD but chose inotropes (15 patients), and for palliation (98 patients). Milrinone was used in 84.8% and dobutamine in 15.2%. At the end of the study, 68 patients had died, 24 were weaned off inotropes, 23 were transplanted, 32 received LVADs, and 50 remained on inotropes. Patients who received inotropes for palliation or those who preferred inotropes over LVAD had median survival of 9.0 months (interquartile range, 3.1–37.1 months), actuarial 1-year survival of 47.6%, and 2-year survival of 38.4%. Of 60 patients who were placed on inotropes as a bridge to transplant/LVAD, 55 were successfully maintained on inotropes until transplant/LVAD.

Conclusions—

Survival on inotropes for patients who are not candidates for transplant/LVAD is modestly better than previously reported, but remains poor. Inotropes are effective as a bridge to transplant/LVAD.
Acute Dietary Nitrate Intake Improves Muscle Contractile Function in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Coggan Andrew R. , Leibowitz Joshua L. , Spearie Catherine Anderson , Kadkhodayan Ana , Thomas Deepak P. , Ramamurthy Sujata , Mahmood Kiran , Park Soo , Waller Suzanne , Farmer Marsha , Peterson Linda R.
Published: July 2015

Background—

Skeletal muscle strength, velocity, and power are markedly reduced in patients with heart failure, which contributes to their impaired exercise capacity and lower quality of life. This muscle dysfunction may be partially because of decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. We therefore sought to determine whether ingestion of inorganic nitrate (NO
3
−
) would increase NO production and improve muscle function in patients with heart failure because of systolic dysfunction.

Methods and Results—

Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover design, we determined the effects of dietary NO
3
−
in 9 patients with heart failure. After fasting overnight, subjects drank beetroot juice containing or devoid of 11.2 mmol of NO
3
−
. Two hours later, muscle function was assessed using isokinetic dynamometry. Dietary NO
3
−
increased (
P
<0.05–0.001) breath NO by 35% to 50%. This was accompanied by 9% (
P
=0.07) and 11% (
P
<0.05) increases in peak knee extensor power at the 2 highest movement velocities tested (ie, 4.71 and 6.28 rad/s). Maximal power (calculated by fitting peak power data with a parabola) was therefore greater (ie, 4.74±0.41 versus 4.20±0.33 W/kg;
P
<0.05) after dietary NO
3
−
intake. Calculated maximal velocity of knee extension was also higher after NO
3
−
ingestion (ie, 12.48±0.95 versus 11.11±0.53 rad/s;
P
<0.05). Blood pressure was unchanged, and no adverse clinical events occurred.

Conclusions—

In this pilot study, acute dietary NO
3
−
intake was well tolerated and enhanced NO bioavailability and muscle power in patients with systolic heart failure. Larger-scale studies should be conducted to determine whether the latter translates into an improved quality of life in this population.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01682356.
The Modes of Liability at the icc: The Labels that Don’t Always Stick
Authors: Aksenova Marina
Published: July 2015

The provision in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (icc) on individual criminal responsibility can be considered sufficiently elaborated. The level of detail of Article 25(3) does not, however, prevent heated debates on its practical application. The Court initially leaned towards the expanded notion of “commission”, interpreted to cover instances where persons do not physically perpetrate the crime but enjoy certain degree of control over it. Underlying this trend was the premise that “commission” denotes a higher degree of blameworthiness, and is therefore more appropriate to describe involvement in mass atrocities. In contrast, the Katanga trial judgement, issued in March last year, undermined the conception of perpetration as a superior form of responsibility in international criminal law. Which position will prevail in a long run? The article explores the two convictions rendered by the Court to date and argues that the answer to this question is still unclear.
The Problem of Witness Interference before International Criminal Tribunals
Authors: de Brouwer Anne-Marie
Published: July 2015

Victims of international crimes, such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, are considered crucial in establishing the evidence in cases before international criminal tribunals. Yet, due to the geographic, political, ethnic or religious circumstances in the country of origin, the nature of the crimes concerned and the nature of the victims’ or accuseds’ involvement in the crimes, international cases also bring with them significant risks for victims/witnesses and challenges for tribunals in protecting them. At times, individuals have disclosed identifying information of victims/witnesses in violation of protection orders of the tribunal, which has led to threats, intimidations and even murders, and ultimately, in a number of cases, the unwillingness of victims/witnesses to testify. Although the tribunals have measures at their disposal to sanction individuals breaching protection orders, the question remains how big the problem of witness interference really is and how to address this issue adequately.
A revision of trifoliolate Indigofera (Tribe Indigofereae: Fabaceae) in India
Authors: Chauhan Vibha , Pandey Arun
Published: July 2015

A revision of trifoliolate Indigofera in India is provided based on field studies, and examination of herbarium specimens. In India, 11 species and 4 varieties of trifoliolate Indigofera are recognized: Indigofera barberi, I. deccanensis, I. glandulosa, I. glandulosa var. sykesii, I. karuppiana, I. pedicellata, I. prostrata, I. santapaui, I. thothathrii, I. tirunelvelica, I. trifoliata, I. trifoliata var. duthiei, I. trita, I. trita var. maffeii and I. trita var. purandharensis. Of 11 species, seven species and three varieties are endemic. A key to the species, description and illustrations are provided along with data on flowering and fruiting, distribution, habitat, chromosome number, and ethnobotanical uses.
Lectotypifications in Atherospermataceae and Monimiaceae from Argentina
Authors: Martínez-Laborde Juan Bautista , Ospina González Juan Camilo , Zanotti Christian
Published: July 2015

Lectotypes for the names of one Atherospermataceae and one Monimiaceae species from Argentina are here designated.
Miconia macuxi (Miconieae, Melastomataceae): a new species from the Amazonian white sand vegetation
Authors: MEIRELLES JULIA , CADDAH MAYARA KRASINSKI , Goldenberg Renato
Published: July 2015

Miconia macuxi is described from the states of Roraima and Amazonas, in northern Brazil, and Atabapo and Amazonas, in southern Venezuela. It occurs in white sand vegetation, and can be recognized by the strongly discolorous leaves with dense stellate trichomes on their abaxial surfaces, secund inflorescences, petal margins with glandular-stipitate trichomes, and white stamens, the antepetalous with the connective with two ventral lobes and a dorsal tooth.
Review of the genus Trichoboscis Meyrick, with descriptions of three new species (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae)
Authors: PARK KYU-TEK , LIU SHURONG , HEPPNER JOHN B. , PATHANIA PRAKASH. C. , WANG SHUXIA
Published: July 2015

Trichoboscis Meyrick belongs to the subfamily Lecithocerinae of Lecithoceridae. It is a small, poorly known genus, comprising two known species described from India. In this study, three new species are described: T. multispina Park & Wang, sp. nov. and T. phliuensis Park & Wang, sp. nov. from Thailand, and T. cultriformis Park & Wang, sp. nov. from China. Images of adults and genitalia are provided, along with a key to all the described species in the genus.
A new name for the deep-sea chiton Leptochiton clarki Sigwart & Sirenko non Berry (Lepidopleurida: Leptochitonidae)
Authors: SIGWART JULIA D. , SIRENKO BORIS I.
Published: July 2015

Recently we described several new species of chitons living in deep water deposits of sunken wood in the southwest Pacific (Sigwart & Sirenko 2012). Among these, one species, Leptochiton clarki Sigwart & Sirenko, 2012, is homonymous with a fossil taxon of the same genus: Leptochiton clarki Berry, 1922. Herein, we replace this homonym with a new name according to International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999: Art. 57.2).
Ensemble Projections of Regional Climatic Changes over Ontario, Canada
Authors: Wang Xiuquan , Huang Guohe , Liu Jinliang , Li Zhong , Zhao Shan
Published: July 2015

In this study, high-resolution climate projections over Ontario, Canada, are developed through an ensemble modeling approach to provide reliable and ready-to-use climate scenarios for assessing plausible effects of future climatic changes at local scales. The Providing Regional Climates for Impacts Studies (PRECIS) regional modeling system is adopted to conduct ensemble simulations in a continuous run from 1950 to 2099, driven by the boundary conditions from a HadCM3-based perturbed physics ensemble. Simulations of temperature and precipitation for the baseline period are first compared to the observed values to validate the performance of the ensemble in capturing the current climatology over Ontario. Future projections for the 2030s, 2050s, and 2080s are then analyzed to help understand plausible changes in its local climate in response to global warming. The analysis indicates that there is likely to be an obvious warming trend with time over the entire province. The increase in average temperature is likely to be varying within [2.6, 2.7]°C in the 2030s, [4.0, 4.7]°C in the 2050s, and [5.9, 7.4]°C in the 2080s. Likewise, the annual total precipitation is projected to increase by [4.5, 7.1]% in the 2030s, [4.6, 10.2]% in the 2050s, and [3.2, 17.5]% in the 2080s. Furthermore, projections of rainfall intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves are developed to help understand the effects of global warming on extreme precipitation events. The results suggest that there is likely to be an overall increase in the intensity of rainfall storms. Finally, a data portal named Ontario Climate Change Data Portal (CCDP) is developed to ensure decision-makers and impact researchers have easy and intuitive access to the refined regional climate change scenarios.
Parenteral Lipid Tolerance and Adverse Effects
Authors: Wanten Geert J. A.
Published: July 2015

Lipid emulsions (LEs) are indispensable sources of fuel calories and (essential) fatty acids (FAs) in modern parenteral nutrition formulations. The use of LE, however, also remains associated with the development of adverse effects. Intolerance for LE mostly becomes apparent upon the development of patient complaints or disturbed blood function tests, mainly of the liver. These issues may be associated with the composition, stability, or the infusion rate of the emulsion. Also, altered balances of (anti)oxidants or the presence or absence of protective or toxic bioactive agents such as phytosterols and tocopherol in LE may lead to complications, especially in already vulnerable patients with an inflammatory condition. While the oldest available LEs are based on pure soybean oil (SO‐LE), rich in the proinflammatory ω‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid, more recent next‐generation LEs where alternative FA sources such as olive and fish oil (partially) replace soybean oil to lower the content of linoleic acid seem safe and effective. Especially LEs containing fish oil (FO‐LE) have less proinflammatory characteristics that promise to convey beneficial effects on immune system and organ functions, although much of the available evidence awaits more robust clinical validation.
PFAT5 and the Evolution of Lipid Admixture Stability
Authors: Klang Mark G.
Published: July 2015

PFAT5 is defined by United States Pharmacopeia Chapter 729 as follows: the “percentage of fat residing in globules larger than 5 µm (PFAT5) for a given lipid injectable emulsion [is] not to exceed 0.05%.” The unstable aggregates are trapped in lungs, liver, and the reticuloendothelial system. Large particles will accumulate in pulmonary capillaries, which are between 4 and 9 µm in diameter. Over the years, there has been an evolution of methods to characterize and define intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE) stability when combined as a total nutrient admixture (TNA). Many studies have claimed IVFE stability measuring mean particle size, zeta potential, and visual checks. Interestingly, none of the studies that claimed the TNA as stable identified an unstable one through testing. This report reviews those parameters and shows they were not a valid measure of lipid stability. The PFAT5 parameter has emerged as the only validated measure of lipid stability. There are clinical consequences of using lipids that exceed the PFAT5 limit. This parameter is applicable to both manufactured and compounded lipid preparations. The clinician should be aware of the limitations of much of the literature concerning the lipid stability assessment. More stability studies are needed using PFAT5 to identify the actual limits of TNA compounding.
The Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Eliason Scott R. , Mortimer Jeylan T. , Vuolo Mike
Published: July 2015

We examine the relationships between objective life-course structures and the subjective sense of timing of adult roles and acquisition of adult identity. Hierarchical latent class analysis is applied to longitudinal data from the Youth Development Study in order to describe roles related to school, work, family formation, and living arrangements from age 17 to 30. The transition to adulthood in this cohort is well represented by five pathways probabilistically mapping the timing and sequencing of these roles and their configurations. Three pathways are characterized by a school-to-work transition with on-time, delayed, or negligible family formation. The two remaining pathways involve early parenthood with either a partner and stable full-time work or the lack of a partner and little labor-force attachment. We then show that the subjective sense of timing with respect to certain adult roles and adult identity acquisition is empirically tied to these life-course structures.
Comparative study of axial/radial magnetic bearing arrangements for turbocompressor applications
Authors: Filatov Alexei , Hawkins Larry
Published: July 2015

This article presents results of a comparative study of different radial/axial actuator solutions for an active magnetic bearing system in a real-life turbocompressor application.
Prognostic significance of tissue and serum HER2 and MUC1 in canine mammary cancer
Authors: Campos Liliane C. , Silva Juliana O. , Santos Fabiana S. , Araújo Marina R. , Lavalle Gleidice E. , Ferreira Enio , Cassali Geovanni D.
Published: July 2015

The aim of our study was to compare serum levels and protein tissue of human epidermal growth factor receptor–2 proto-oncogene (HER2) and mucin 1 (MUC1) using an antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in canine mammary carcinomas and investigate how the 2 markers correlate with dogs with metastasis and without metastasis to a regional lymph node. Forty-eight female dogs were selected, including 14 with non-metastatic cancer, 14 with lymph node metastasis, and 20 healthy animals. Serum samples were collected from all the animals and tissues from 28 dogs with malignant mammary tumor with or without metastasis for evaluated HER2 and MUC1 expression. Tissue sample were evaluated for MUC1 and HER2 immunoexpression by IHC. The results showed measurable serum levels of MUC1 and HER2 in all groups. While serum MUC1 levels were significantly higher in animals with metastasis than the other 2 groups, no increase was observed in HER2 serum levels. The MUC1 IHC results showed that only membrane immunostaining was significantly different between the groups. Statistically, there was an association between immunostaining and the serum HER2 levels. Our results indicate that serum concentrations of HER2 and the IHC staining pattern for HER2 in primary tumor do not correlate with the presence of regional metastasis. However, increased concentrations of MUC1 in the serum of dogs with mammary cancer are associated with the presence of metastasis to regional lymph nodes. A membrane pattern of IHC staining for MUC1 in the primary tumor suggests that metastases to regional lymph node are present.
Evaluation of an Erns-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to distinguish Classical swine fever virus–infected pigs from pigs vaccinated with CP7_E2alf
Authors: Pannhorst Katrin , Fröhlich Andreas , Staubach Christoph , Meyer Denise , Blome Sandra , Becher Paul
Published: July 2015

Infections with Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) are a major economic threat to pig production. To combat CSF outbreaks and to maintain trade, new marker vaccines were developed that allow differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA principle). The chimeric pestivirus CP7_E2alf was shown to be safe and efficacious. Its DIVA strategy is based on the detection of CSFV Erns-specific antibodies that are only developed on infection. However, for the new marker vaccine to be considered a valuable control tool, a validated discriminatory assay is needed. One promising candidate is the already commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, PrioCHECK CSFV Erns ELISA (Prionics BV, Lelystad, The Netherlands). Four laboratories of different European Union member states tested 530 serum samples and country-specific field sera from domestic pigs and wild boar. The ELISA displayed a good robustness. However, based on its reproducibility and repeatability, ranges rather than single values for diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were defined. The ELISA displayed a sensitivity of 90–98% with sera from CSFV-infected domestic pigs. A specificity of 89–96% was calculated with sera from domestic pigs vaccinated once with CP7_E2alf. The ELISA detected CSFV infections in vaccinated domestic pigs with a sensitivity of 82–94%. The sensitivity was lower with sera taken ≤21 days post-challenge indicating that the stage of CSFV infection had a considerable influence on testing. Taken together, the PrioCHECK CSFV Erns ELISA can be used for detection of CSFV infections in CP7_E2alf-vaccinated and nonvaccinated domestic pig populations, but should only be applied on a herd basis by testing a defined number of animals.
The Current Understanding of Sarcopenia
Authors: Delmonico Matthew J. , Beck Darren T.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this review is to provide health practitioners and physicians the most current state of the research on sarcopenia, its consequences, and to offer a summary of consensus guidelines for identification based on the most recent and compelling investigations and analyses. To accomplish this, the causes and consequences of sarcopenia will be described, and definitions and screening methods are updated. Importantly, interventional recommendations for sarcopenia will be discussed with a special emphasis on the effects of resistance training on sarcopenia-related outcomes. Furthermore, due to the increasing usage of hormone treatment as a strategy to combat sarcopenia, special consideration on the effects of hormone changes with aging and as interventions will be briefly reviewed.
Skills Augmenting Online Shopping Behavior: A Study of Need for Cognition Positive Segment
Authors: Verma Prashant , Jain Shruti
Published: July 2015

The present study takes into account “need for cognition” (NFC), which represents the tendency of individuals to engage in and enjoy thinking. The NFC has been described as the need to structure relevant situation into meaningful, integrated ways and a need to understand and make a reasonable understanding of the experiential world. The article attempts to identify the specific skill dimensions, which operate in respondents who shop online and are positive on NFC, and try to seek difference in online shopping behavior of the respondents with different level of these skills. Principal Component Analysis, ANOVA, and confirmatory factor analysis were the statistics used in the study. Six factors were identified explaining dimensions operating in NFC positive segment, namely, preference for being advance user, confident user of latest in information technology, using it as tool for knowledge exploration, ability to assess behavior of program, efficient end user and knowledge of hardware. Significant difference in online shopping behavior was identified for users having skills clubbed under the dimension of confident user of latest in information technology.
Feasibility of a Randomized Clinical Trial for Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement of the Hip
Authors: Boye Gloria N. , Murray Kerri , Clohisy John C. , Kim Young-Jo
Published: July 2015

Background:

Symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is currently corrected by surgery. However, it is possible that nonsurgical treatment could resolve symptomatic FAI in some patients; thus, uncertainty about the necessity of surgical treatment exists. The current equipoise concerning FAI treatment presents an opportunity to conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. Given the unique challenge of adequate patient enrollment in RCTs, it is important that a preliminary study is done to appraise the feasibility of conducting an RCT.

Purpose:

To estimate enrollment rates of a planned future RCT to compare surgical and nonsurgical treatments for symptomatic FAI and to identify factors associated with patients’ willingness to participate in the randomized trial.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with FAI at 2 orthopaedic centers were presented with a hypothetical randomized trial comparing 2 treatment options for FAI. All patients completed forms providing information regarding their willingness to participate and treatment preferences.

Results:

A total of 75 patients participated in the study: 53 and 22 from 2 centers, respectively. Twenty-eight percent indicated absolute willingness to participate in the trial, 40% were probably willing or unsure, and 32% were definitely not willing; 18.7% had a strong preference for surgery while 2.7% strongly preferred nonsurgical treatment. The majority (78.6%) had no strong preference for either treatment arm. There were correlations between treatment preferences and willingness to participate. Patients with a strong treatment preference and/or a preference for surgery were less likely to be willing to participate.

Conclusion:

The study findings suggest that sufficient patient accrual for a randomized trial of FAI treatment is currently feasible while equipoise still exists among patients and surgeons.
Characterisation of Al–Ti dissimilar material joints fabricated using ultrasonic additive manufacturing
Authors: Wolcott P. J. , Sridharan N. , Babu S. S. , Miriyev A. , Frage N. , Dapino M. J.
Published: July 2015

Ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) is a solid state manufacturing process for joining thin metal tapes using principles of ultrasonic metal welding. The process operates at low temperatures, enabling dissimilar material welds without generating harmful intermetallic compounds. In this study, a 9 kW UAM system was used to create joints of Al 1100 and commercially pure titanium. Viable process parameters were identified through pilot weld studies via controlled variation of weld force, amplitude and weld speed. Push-pin delamination tests and shear tests were performed, comparing as-built, heat treated and spark plasma sintering treated samples. Heat treated and spark plasma sintering treated samples yielded mechanical strengths over twice that of as-built samples. Electron backscatter diffraction measurements show that deformation and grain refinement only take place in the aluminium layers. Heat treated samples exhibit a thin intermetallic layer, which is hypothesised as constraining the interface, leading to the improved strength.
Identification of IncRNA Expression Profile in the Spinal Cord of Mice following Spinal Nerve Ligation-Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Jiang Bao-Chun , Sun Wen-Xing , He Li-Na , Cao De-Li , Zhang Zhi-Jun , Gao Yong-Jing
Published: July 2015

Background

Neuropathic pain that caused by lesion or dysfunction of the nervous system is associated with gene expression changes in the sensory pathway. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be able to regulate gene expression. Identifying lncRNA expression patterns in the spinal cord under normal and neuropathic pain conditions is essential for understanding the genetic mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain.

Results

Spinal nerve ligation (SNL) induced rapid and persistent pain hypersensitivity, characterized by mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia. Meanwhile, astrocytes and microglia were dramatically activated in the ipsilateral spinal cord dorsal horn at 10 days after SNL. Further lncRNA microarray and mRNA microarray analysis showed that the expression profiles of lncRNA and mRNA between SNL and sham-operated mice were greatly changed at 10 days. The 511 differentially expressed (>2 fold) lncRNAs (366 up-regulated, 145 down-regulated) and 493 mRNAs (363 upregulated, 122 down-regulated) were finally identified. The expression patterns of several lncRNAs and mRNAs were further confirmed by qPCR. Functional analysis of differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs showed that the most significant enriched biological processes of up-regulated genes in SNL include immune response, defense response, and inflammation response, which are important pathogenic mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain. 35 DE lncRNAs have neighboring or overlapping DE mRNAs in genome, which is related to Toll-like receptor signaling, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Our findings uncovered the expression pattern of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the mice spinal cord under neuropathic pain condition. These lncRNAs and mRNAs may represent new therapeutic targets for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Epigenome data release: a participant-centered approach to privacy protection
Authors: Dyke Stephanie O. M. , Cheung Warren A. , Joly Yann , Ammerpohl Ole , Lutsik Pavlo , Rothstein Mark A. , Caron Maxime , Busche Stephan , Bourque Guillaume , Rönnblom Lars , Flicek Paul , Beck Stephan , Hirst Martin , Stunnenberg Henk , Siebert Reiner , Walter Jörn , Pastinen Tomi
Published: July 2015

Large-scale epigenome mapping by the NIH Roadmap Epigenomics Project, the ENCODE Consortium and the International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC) produces genome-wide DNA methylation data at one base-pair resolution. We examine how such data can be made open-access while balancing appropriate interpretation and genomic privacy. We propose guidelines for data release that both reduce ambiguity in the interpretation of open-access data and limit immediate access to genetic variation data that are made available through controlled access.
Epratuzumab inhibits the production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, but not the regulatory cytokine IL-10, by B cells from healthy donors and SLE patients
Authors: Fleischer Vanessa , Sieber Julia , Fleischer Sarah J. , Shock Anthony , Heine Guido , Daridon Capucine , Dörner Thomas
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Cytokines produced by B cells are believed to play important roles in autoimmune diseases. CD22 targeting by epratuzumab has been demonstrated to inhibit phosphorylation of B cell receptor (BCR) downstream signaling in B cells. It has been shown that other sialoadhesin molecules related to CD22 have immunoregulatory functions; therefore, in the present study, we addressed the role of epratuzumab on the production of key cytokines by B cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and of healthy donors (HD).

Methods

Peripheral blood B cells were purified and activated by BCR with or without Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) stimulation in the presence or absence of epratuzumab. Cytokine production by B cells (interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α and IL-10) in the supernatant and the induction of IL-10+ B cells from patients with SLE and HD were analyzed.

Results

The secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 by anti-BCR and BCR- and/or TLR9-activated B cells from HD and patients with SLE was inhibited by epratuzumab. In contrast, the production of IL-10 by B cells was not affected by epratuzumab under either stimulation condition. Consistently, the induction of IL-10–producing B cells in culture was not affected by epratuzumab.

Conclusions

Epratuzumab, by targeting CD22, was able to inhibit the production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α by B cells, in contrast to IL-10, in vitro. These data suggest that targeting CD22 alters the balance between proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and the regulatory cytokine IL-10 as another B cell effector mechanism.
A survey of attitudes toward clinical trials and genetic disclosure in autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Grill Joshua D. , Bateman Randall J. , Buckles Virginia , Oliver Angela , Morris John C. , Masters Colin L. , Klunk William E. , Ringman John M. ,   for the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Because of its genetic underpinnings and consistent age of onset within families, autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease (ADAD) provides a unique opportunity to conduct clinical trials of investigational agents as preventative or symptom-delaying treatments. The design of such trials may be complicated by low rates of genetic testing and disclosure among persons at risk of inheriting disease-causing mutations.

Methods

To better understand the attitudes toward genetic testing and clinical trials of persons at risk for ADAD, we surveyed participants in the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network (DIAN), a multisite longitudinal study of clinical and biomarker outcomes in ADAD that does not require learning genetic status to participate.

Results

Eighty participants completed a brief anonymous survey by mail or on-line; 40 % reported knowing if they carried a gene mutation, 15 % did not know but expressed a desire to learn their genetic status, and 45 % did not know and did not desire to know their genetic status. Among participants who knew or wished to know their genetic status, 86 % were interested in participating in a clinical trial. Seventy-two percent of participants who did not wish to learn their genetic status reported that they would change their mind, if learning that they carried a mutation gave them the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial. Nearly all participants responded that they would be interested if an open-label extension were offered.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the availability of clinical trials to prevent ADAD can affect persons’ desire to undergo genetic testing and that consideration can be given to performing studies in which such testing is required.
Nonlinear multichannel impedance inversion by total-variation regularization
Authors: Gholami Ali
Published: July 2015

The analysis of acoustic impedance (AI) allows for the mapping of seismic reflection data to lithology, and hence it plays an important role in the interpretation of poststack seismic data. The AI is obtainable from the inversion of the earth reflectivity series. Efficient deconvolution methods have been developed for recovering the reflectivity series from band-limited poststack data, which are multiple free, zero offset, and migrated. However, calculation of the AI from the reflectivity, when considering the spatial correlation of the impedance parameters, demands the solution of a constrained nonlinear inverse problem. Two efficient algorithms are proposed for solving the nonlinear impedance problem in multichannel form with the total-variation (TV) constraint to recover impedance maps with blocky structures. The first uses the continuous earth model for reflectivity, which allows linearizing the problem in the logarithm domain. The second uses the discrete (layered) earth model for reflectivity. In this case, a nonlinear problem is solved in the original domain. The main properties of the algorithms, which are built based on the split-Bregman technique and the discrete cosine transform are as follows: (1) They are multichannel inversion procedures, so they respect the spatial and temporal correlation of the data, (2) they impose the TV constraint on the parameters to generate blocky structures, (3) they are fast such that a large 3D impedance model with a blocky structure can be recovered easily on a personal computer, and (4) the computational complexities of both algorithms are the same. Numerical tests using simulated 2D data obtained from a benchmark Marmousi model and also 2D and 3D field data confirmed that the proposed algorithm generates more accurate with higher resolution impedance models compared with the conventional methods.
A Reevaluation of the Question: Is the Pubertal Resurgence in Pulsatile GnRH Release in the Male Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta) Associated With a Gonad-Independent Augmentation of GH Secretion?
Authors: Shahab M. , Trujillo M. Vargas , Plant T. M.
Published: July 2015

A somatic signal has been posited to trigger the pubertal resurgence in pulsatile GnRH secretion that initiates puberty in highly evolved primates. That GH might provide such a signal emerged in 2000 as a result of a study reporting that circulating nocturnal GH concentrations in castrated juvenile male monkeys increased in a 3-week period immediately preceding the pubertal resurgence of LH secretion. The present study was conducted to reexamine this intriguing relationship, again in an agonadal model. Four castrated juvenile male monkeys were implanted with indwelling jugular catheters, housed in remote sampling cages, and subjected to 24 hours of sequential blood sampling (every 30 min) every 2 weeks from 19.5 to 22 months of age. Twenty-four-hour profiles of circulating GH concentrations were analyzed using the pulse detection algorithm, PULSAR, and developmental changes in pulsatile GH release with respect to the initiation of the pubertal rise of LH secretion (week 0; observed between 22.5 and 32 mo of age) were examined for significance by a repeated-measures ANOVA. Changes in the parameters of pulsatile GH secretion, including mean 24-hour GH concentration and GH pulse frequency and pulse amplitude for 3 (n = 4) and 6 (n = 3) months before week 0 were unremarkable and nonsignificant. These findings fail to confirm those of the earlier study and lead us to conclude that the timing of the pubertal resurgence of GnRH release in the male monkey is not dictated by GH. Reasons for the discrepancy between the two studies are unclear.
Multiple sclerosis – causes, risk factors and symptoms of the disease - a literature review
Authors: Celej-Szuster Jolanta , Muzyczka Katarzyna , Anasiewicz Malgorzata , Kociuba-Adamczuk Katarzyna , Turowski Krzysztof , Stanisławek Andrzej , Kachaniuk Hanna , Szadowska-Szlachetka Zdzisława
Published: July 2015

Multiple sclerosis (SM) is a classified chronic disease which leads to disability. Apart from severe cases, persons suffering from SM, live on average, as long as healthy people, however, their everyday life is often considerably difficult. SM usually occurs in young people. The first relapse normally happens between the age of 20 and 40. As a result of the pathologic process, myelin, i.e. the substance from which neuron sheaths are built, is damaged. The process disrupts normal impulse transmission along neural paths in the encephalon and the spinal cord. The causes of SM are unknown, despite broad knowledge of the mechanisms of impairments that occur in the course of the disease. The symptoms of SM can be transient and sometimes seem difficult to describe.
Influence of sterilization on the rheological properties of different types polyacrylic acid gels
Authors: Kodym Anna , Kubiak Bartłomiej , Miszk Karolina , Ronowicz Joanna , Pałkowski Łukasz
Published: July 2015

The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of sterilization conditions on the rheological properties of gels containing polyacrylic acid derivatives (Carbopols: 974P, Ultrez 10 and Ultrez 20). The gels utilized in this study contained 0.5% (w/w) metronidazole, antiprotozoal drug (model drug substance). Their rheological properties were determined: flow curve, yield point, apparent viscosity. Moreover, a statistical analysis of factors (polymer type, polymer concentration, sterilization by autoclaving) was undertaken, and their impact on viscosity, yield point and area under flow curve was ascertained. Among this polymers, gels comprising Carbopol 974P were the most stable to sterilization conditions.
The health-related behavior of myocardial infarction patients before the onset of the disease
Authors: Pietryka-Michałowska Elżbieta , Szymańska Jolanta , Walewska Anna
Published: July 2015

The more important risk factors for myocardial infarction include high cholesterol; the presence of hypertension, diabetes and obesity; the practice of smoking and consumption of alcohol in excessive quantities; being stressed, as well as inherited genetic factors. Of these factors, the majority are, or are influenced by life-style choices, hence can be prevented. The purpose of the study was to analyze the attitude of patients towards their health before the onset of myocardial infarction. The survey covered 268 patients staying at the rehabilitation department of a spa hospital in Nałęczów, Poland. The results of the survey reveal that in the lifestyles of the surveyed, the dominating attitude to health was not conducive to the strengthening of good health: most of the surveyed indulged excessively in alcohol consumption, were heavy smokers of cigarettes, undertook little physical activity, practiced an improper diet, were overweight and faced stressful situations. These negative behaviors were significantly statistically more often found among young people, men, and people with lower education levels. The results of the survey indicate that a healthy lifestyle should be promoted from an early age. Moreover, beyond providing education, those concerned with the betterment of public health should be stressing the benefits of proper health-related attitudes and behaviors.
Exploratory Students' Experiences With First-Year Academic Advising
Authors: Workman Jamie L.
Published: July 2015

Six sophomore students who had entered a public midwestern university as undeclared participated in the study. The advisors used a modified form of appreciative advising designed to assist first-year exploratory students. The study was conducted using grounded theory techniques, a phenomenological perspective, and semi-structured interviews. At the time of interview some participants had declared majors. Themes that emerged from the data were categorized according to the Schlossberg transition model. The study provides insight into meaning making that can aid the practice of advising this unique population through career-related and decision-making processes.