bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-Independent Acquisition and Parallel Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry Identification of Serum Biomarkers for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Rauniyar Navin , Peng Gang , Lam TuKiet T , Zhao Hongyu , Mor Gil , Williams Kenneth R
Published: June 2017

A data-independent acquisition (DIA)/parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) workflow was implemented to identify improved ovarian cancer biomarkers. Data-independent acquisition on ovarian cancer versus control sera and literature searches identified 50 biomarkers and indicated that apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) is the most significantly differentially regulated protein. Parallel reaction monitoring with Targeted Ovarian Cancer Proteome Assay validated differential ApoA-IV expression and quantified 9 other biomarkers. Random Forest (RF) analyses achieved 92.3% classification accuracy and confirmed ApoA-IV as the leading biomarker. Indeed, all samples were classified correctly with an [ApoA-IV] breakpoint. The next best biomarkers were C-reactive protein, transferrin, and transthyretin. The Targeted Ovarian Cancer Proteome Assay suggests that ApoA-IV is a more reliable biomarker than had been determined by immunological assays and it is a better biomarker than ApoA-I, which is in the OVA1 test for ovarian cancer. This research provides a PRM/RF approach together with 4 promising biomarkers to speed the development of a clinical assay for ovarian cancer.
A Behavioral Survey of the Effects of Kavalactones on Caenorhabditis elegans Neuromuscular Transmission
Authors: Kautu Bwarenaba B , Phillips Juliana , Steele Kellie , Mengarelli M Shawn , Nord Eric A
Published: June 2017

Kava is a plant root extract that is widely consumed by Pacific Islanders. Kava contains a class of lactone compounds called kavalactones. The sedative and anxiolytic effects of kava are likely attributed to the efficacies of kavalactones on the nervous system. Although some studies have implicated the potencies of certain kavalactone species on γ-aminobutyric acid transmission, evidence supporting the action of kavalactones on the eukaryotic neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and acetylcholine (ACh) transmission is scant. Here, we used behavioral assays to demonstrate the effects of kavalactones at the Caenorhabditis elegans NMJ. Our results suggest that kavalactones disrupt the inhibitory-excitatory balance at the NMJ. Such perturbation of NMJ activity is likely due to excess or prolonged ACh transmission. In addition, we found that kavain, a major constituent of kava, induced worm paralysis but not convulsions. Hence, the modulatory action of kavain could be distinct from the other kavalactone species.
Mechanistic Evaluation of the Impact of Smoking and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on the Nasal Epithelium
Authors: Talikka Marja , Martin Florian , Sewer Alain , Vuillaume Grégory , Leroy Patrice , Luettich Karsta , Chaudhary Nveed , Peck Michael J , Peitsch Manuel C , Hoeng Julia
Published: June 2017

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major causes of chronic morbidity and mortality worldwide. The development of markers of COPD onset is hampered by the lack of accessibility to the primary target tissue, and there is a need to consider other sample sources as surrogates for biomarker research. Airborne toxicants pass through the nasal epithelium before reaching the lower airways, and the similarity with bronchial histology makes it an attractive surrogate for lower airways. In this work, we describe the transcriptomics findings from the nasal epithelia of subjects enrolled in a clinical study focusing on the identification of COPD biomarkers. Transcriptomic data were analyzed using the biological network approach that enabled us to pinpoint the biological processes affected in the upper respiratory tract in response to smoking and mild-to-moderate COPD. Our results indicated that nasal and lower airway immune responses were considerably different in COPD subjects and caution should be exercised when using upper airway samples as a surrogate for the lower airway. Nevertheless, the network approach described here could present a sensitive means of identifying smokers at risk of developing COPD.
Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Clevidipine for the Perioperative Control of Acute Hypertension in Neurosurgical Patients: A Dose Update
Authors: Brower Kristin I , Murphy Claire , Arias-Morales Carlos E , Rankin Demicha , Palettas Marilly , Bergese Sergio D
Published: June 2017

Clevidipine is a third-generation dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker approved in 2008 by the Food and Drug Administration for parenteral therapy of arterial hypertension. The high degree of lipophilicity of clevidipine provides a rapid onset of action and ease of titration to reach the desired clinical effect. Since its introduction into clinical practice, clevidipine has been shown to be safe and effective for perioperative use in patients undergoing procedures in which rapid and effective blood pressure control is essential. In 2011, clevidipine received institutional approval for intraoperative use during neurosurgical procedures and for postoperative blood pressure control in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit and Surgical Intensive Care Unit during the first 24 hours after surgery. This review describes the efficacy and safety of intravenous clevidipine in intraoperative blood pressure management during neurosurgical procedures in 11 patients over a period of 3 months. The evaluation revealed that lower rates of clevidipine infusion than previously documented in the literature achieved blood pressure control within the desired limits during surgery while avoiding dose-related adverse reactions.
Investigating Miss Fisher: the value of a television crime drama
Authors: Turnbull Sue , McCutcheon Marion
Published: June 2017

This article explores the concept of value in relation to the Australian television crime drama series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Drawing on a range of approaches to the economic valuation of culture, it argues for a nuanced approach to capturing the total cultural and economic value of a television crime drama series. While this may include the quantifiable, direct monetary benefits to be derived at all stages of development, production, distribution and consumption, the case is made for consideration of the unquantifiable, indirect non-monetary benefits that may also accrue to creators, to audiences and to society in general, as are clearly evident in the case of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
Aquaporin-4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with recurrent short partial transverse myelitis and favorable prognosis: Two new cases
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Liu Fang , Wang Yiqi , Yang Ying , Huang Yuehong , Zhao Hongchen , Bi Yong , Shi Tianming , Guo Shunyuan , Wang Meiping
Published: June 2017

Understanding the characteristics of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with recurrent short partial transverse myelitis (SPTM), which is very rare, contributes to the differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). We present two Chinese aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG)-seropositive NMOSD cases who had at least twice SPTM during 4 and 6 years of follow-up, respectively. Their SPTMs have been mild and responded well to corticosteroids just like in the case of MS. The findings highlight the need of searching for serum AQP4-IgG (cell-based assay strongly recommended) in patients with recurrent SPTM and suggest that those patients may have a mild acute attack phase and favorable long-term prognosis.
Mediation of an efficacious HIV risk reduction intervention for adolescents: A cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Morales Alexandra , Espada José P , Orgilés Mireia
Published: June 2017

The ‘Cuidate’ programme for adolescents in Spain has proven to be effective for promoting healthy sexuality ( N = 626), but the mechanisms underlying its effects are unknown. This study aimed to identify mediators of the intervention’s effects compared to a control group. Participants were students from five areas of Spain, who completed baseline, immediate-posttest, 12-month and 24-month follow-up assessments. Mediation analyses revealed that ‘Cuidate’ positively affected consistent condom use indirectly through knowledge in serial with the intention to use condoms. The findings underscore the importance of targeting knowledge on HIV and sexually transmitted infections to promote condom use intention and consistent condom use.
Valuing health for oneself versus one’s child or elderly parent
Authors: Carroll Aaron E , Saha Chandan , Ofner Susan , Downs Stephen M
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to determine if adults value health states or are willing to accept risk differently for themselves than for their children or elderly parents. Participants (701) were asked to rate four hypothetical health states for themselves using both the standard gamble and time trade-off methodologies. They then did the same assessments for a real or hypothetical child as well as an elderly parent. Participants were willing to take more risk or trade more years of life to avoid bilateral vision loss and mental impairment for themselves than they were for their children and elderly parents.
How queer is ‘pink’ programming? On the representational politics of an identity-based film program at Film Fest Gent
Authors: Dhaenens Frederik
Published: June 2017

International film festivals (IFFs) are increasingly taking an interest in offering programs that target LGBT audiences. Since this practice can be understood as an emancipatory and commercial strategy, this article examines the implications of this ambiguity within an IFF’s politics of representation. Drawing on the results from a textual and contextual analysis of the films and programming strategies of the 2014 Film Fest Gent in Belgium, this article argues that an IFF has the potential to engage in moderately queer programming. By offering an identity-based program that makes room for alternative and critical negotiations of identity and intimacy and that looks for ways to offer LGBT content to diverse audiences in various settings, this festival demonstrates how programming LGBT content can be a critical and commercial success without having to rely on homonormative tropes and practices.
Curriculum change management and workload
Authors: Alkahtani Aishah
Published: June 2017

This study examines the ways in which Saudi teachers have responded or are responding to the challenges posed by a new curriculum. It also deals with issues relating to workload demands which affect teachers’ performance when they apply a new curriculum in a Saudi Arabian secondary school. In addition, problems such as scheduling and sharing space require committee negotiations between head teachers, teachers, and higher level management in the project. The results show the importance of open communication, and a bottom-up as well as a top-down flow of decision-making. Communication and decisions flow down to the middle managers, and the reactions and opinions of those at the bottom may or may not flow back up to the decision-makers at the top.
Megabooth: The cultural intermediation of indie games
Authors: Parker Felan , Whitson Jennifer R , Simon Bart
Published: June 2017

This article considers the history, practices and impact of the Indie Megabooth and its founders in terms of their role as a ‘cultural intermediary’ in promoting and supporting independent or ‘indie’ game development. The Megabooth is a crucial broker, gatekeeper and orchestrator of not only perceptions of and markets for indie games but also the socio-material possibility of indie game making itself. In its highly publicized outward-facing role, the Megabooth ascribes legitimacy and value to specific games and developers, but its behind-the-scenes logistical and brokerage activities are of equal if not greater importance. The Megabooth mediates between a diverse set of actors and stakeholders with multiple (often conflicting) needs and goals and in doing so helps constitute the field of production, distribution, reception and consumption for indie games. ‘Indie-ness’ and independence are actively performed in and through intermediaries such as the Megabooth.
Beats and tweets: Social media in the careers of independent musicians
Authors: Haynes Jo , Marshall Lee
Published: June 2017

While mainstream accounts of the impact of internet technologies on the music industry have emphasised the crisis of the major-dominated mainstream recording industry, a more optimistic discourse has also been promoted, emphasising the opportunities that the Internet creates for independent musicians. These same new technologies, it is argued, enable artists to reach new global audiences and engage with them in ways that can facilitate more stable, financially self-sustaining independent careers. Little research has been conducted, however, on the effect of new Internet technologies on the careers and practices of independent musicians. This article, part of a pilot project on the working experiences of independent musicians, examines how musicians signed to small labels in the South-west of England use social media in their careers and discusses their understanding of its benefits and disadvantages. It concludes that social media use is an essential tool in the arsenal of an independent musician, and does provide advantages for them, but significant disadvantages have also emerged and thus the benefits of social media for independent musicians have likely been overstated.
The delicate business of identity
Authors: Widdicombe Sue
Published: June 2017

Identity has often been approached by asking questions about it in interviews. However, speakers sometimes reject, resist or modify category membership because of the sensitive inferential and interactional issues invoked. This article aims to provide a systematic analysis of category-eliciting question–answer (Q-A) sequences from a large corpus of Syrian interview data concerning several identities. Using conversation and membership categorisation analysis, four Q-A sequences are identified: minimal confirmation of questions seeking the hearably demographic fact of membership; modifying membership claims in response to factual-type questions by rejecting some not other category-bound attributes; characterising membership as fact and nominating an alternative identity in response to questions about feelings; and, in response to questions seeking confirmation of a category implicated through the prior talk, warranting the denial of membership. The analysis therefore highlights a paradox: asking direct questions about category membership is used to generate talk about the topic of identity that would be difficult to collect otherwise, but this may in turn provide for a reluctance to self-identify, thus making identity a delicate business.
Planting Seeds: Actively Developing Scholar-Practitioners
Authors: Moats Jason B.
Published: June 2017

The Problem

We know much about who and what scholar-practitioners are, but we know little about how to develop individuals into scholar-practitioners. Given this, we need to move the conversation beyond descriptive attributes and expend time and effort to identify methods to cultivate these professionals. Doing so will help change the perception that there are theory-to-practice gaps and ultimately improve the strength and value of the human resource development field to other disciplines.

The Solution

This article is in response to Ruona and Gilley’s call for moving beyond bemoaning the theory-practice gap and starting providing constructive solutions to close it. Using two real-life cases for illustration, I present a strategy for cultivating individuals in applied fields into effective scholar-practitioners.

The Stakeholders

This article provides a potential path for trainers to integrate theory and research into practice, for faculty to incorporate practical contexts into educational opportunities, and for managers and organizations to adapt evidence-based solutions to a complex, rapidly changing environment.
Increasing Social Support for Breakfast: Project BreakFAST
Authors: Mumm Julie , Hearst Mary O. , Shanafelt Amy , Wang Qi , Leduc Robert , Nanney Marilyn S.
Published: June 2017

High school students in the United States are known to be frequent skippers of breakfast. Social support is one key element needed to encourage adolescents to consume school breakfast. This article presents an analysis of the influence of a school policy and environment change intervention on the social support of adolescents to eat breakfast. Method. The intervention included school policy changes in 16 schools randomized to intervention and delayed-intervention conditions, in order to allow quick and easy access to breakfast as well as to allow breakfast consumption in classrooms and hallways; a School Breakfast Program marketing campaign to address normative and attitudinal beliefs; and increasing social support and role modeling to encourage breakfast eating. The participants in the study completed an online survey at baseline and again postintervention. Results. The final analysis included only students who completed the relevant survey (n = 904) items on both the baseline and follow-up surveys. The students in the intervention group showed a higher level of social support post intervention than the control group with a significant adjusted p of .02. Most of the overall social support change was explained by a change in the “other kids at my school” and “other school staff” categories. Conclusions. The BreakFAST study shows the benefits of school staff and kids other than friends supporting a behavior change to include breakfast consumption in adolescents.
Comparing Two Web/Mail Mixed-mode Contact Protocols to a Unimode Mail Survey
Authors: Newberry Milton G. , Israel Glenn D.
Published: June 2017

Recent research has shown mixed-mode surveys are advantageous for organizations to use in collecting data. Previous research explored web/mail mode effects for four-contact waves. This study explores the effect of web/mail mixed-mode systems over a series of contacts on the customer satisfaction data from the Florida Cooperative Extension Service during 2012–2013. The experimental design involved a group of clients who provided e-mail and mail contact information randomly assigned to two mixed-mode treatment groups and a mail-only control. Demographic and service utilization data were compared to assess response rates and nonresponse bias. Logistic regression showed the treatment groups had similar response rates and nonresponse bias. The fifth contact was statistically significant in increasing response rates but did not reduce nonresponse bias. Future research should continue exploring optimizing the number of contacts in mixed-mode survey methodology.
Outcomes After Endovascular Revascularization in Octogenarians and Non-Octogenarians With Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Uhl Christian , Steinbauer Markus , Torsello Giovanni , Bisdas Theodosios ,   for the CRITISCH collaborators, Adili Farzin , Balzer Kai , Billing Arend , Böckler Dittmar , Brixner Daniel , Debus Sebastian E. , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Florek Hans-Joachim , Gkremoutis Asimakis , Grundmann Reinhardt , Hupp Thomas , Hwang Se-Won , Keck Tobias , Wojciech Klonek , Lang Werner , May Björn , Meyer Alexander , Mühling Bernhard , Oberhuber Alexander , Reinecke Holger , Reinhold Christian , Ritter Ralf-Gerhard , Schelzig Hubert , Schlensack Christian , Schmitz-Rixen Thomas , Schulte Karl-Ludwig , Spohn Matthias , Stavroulakis Konstantinos , Storck Martin , Trede Matthias , Weis-Müller Barbara , Wenk Heiner , Zeller Thomas , Zhorzel Sven , Zimmermann Alexander
Published: June 2017

Purpose: To determine the outcome and periprocedural risk of endovascular revascularization in octogenarians with critical limb ischemia (CLI) compared with their younger counterparts. Methods: The multicenter, prospective registry for First-line Treatments in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia (CRITISCH) enrolled 642 patients treated with endovascular techniques ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01877252). The patients were dichotomized according to age <80 years (n=421; mean age 69 years, 292 men; group 1) or ≥80 years (n=221; mean age 85 years, 113 men; group 2). The groups had similar distributions in Rutherford categories 4 to 6, but group 1 had more men, smokers, diabetics, and patients on dialysis. The primary composite endpoint of the study was amputation and/or death. Key secondary endpoints were in-hospital mortality and major amputation, as well as major adverse limb events (MALE; any reintervention or major amputation involving the index limb) at 1 year. Results: The in-hospital mortality was 1% in group 1 and 2% in group 2 (p=0.204) and the major amputation rates were 4% and 2% (p=0.169), respectively. Amputation-free survival at 1 year was 75% in group 1 and 77% in group 2 (p=0.340), whereas freedom from MALE was significantly different between the groups [62% group 1 vs 72% group 2; hazard ratio (HR) 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09 to 1.93, p=0.016). Limb salvage was 90% in group 1 and 95% in group 2 (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.27 to 3.69, p=0.01). Conclusion: Octogenarians with CLI treated by endovascular means showed comparable early and 1-year amputation-free survival rates vs their younger counterparts, and limb salvage and freedom from MALE rates were even higher in octogenarians.
Artificial cell mimics as simplified models for the study of cell biology
Authors: Salehi-Reyhani Ali , Ces Oscar , Elani Yuval
Published: June 2017

Living cells are hugely complex chemical systems composed of a milieu of distinct chemical species (including DNA, proteins, lipids, and metabolites) interconnected with one another through a vast web of interactions: this complexity renders the study of cell biology in a quantitative and systematic manner a difficult task. There has been an increasing drive towards the utilization of artificial cells as cell mimics to alleviate this, a development that has been aided by recent advances in artificial cell construction. Cell mimics are simplified cell-like structures, composed from the bottom-up with precisely defined and tunable compositions. They allow specific facets of cell biology to be studied in isolation, in a simplified environment where control of variables can be achieved without interference from a living and responsive cell. This mini-review outlines the core principles of this approach and surveys recent key investigations that use cell mimics to address a wide range of biological questions. It will also place the field in the context of emerging trends, discuss the associated limitations, and outline future directions of the field.

Impact statement

Recent years have seen an increasing drive to construct cell mimics and use them as simplified experimental models to replicate and understand biological phenomena in a well-defined and controlled system. By summarizing the advances in this burgeoning field, and using case studies as a basis for discussion on the limitations and future directions of this approach, it is hoped that this minireview will spur others in the experimental biology community to use artificial cells as simplified models with which to probe biological systems.
Conservative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures: A Prospective Descriptive Study
Authors: Aparicio Pilar , Izquierdo Óscar , Castellanos Juan
Published: June 2017

Background: Disability of the upper limb is one of the consequences of distal radius fracture (DRF). The outcome of DRF treatment is based on objective clinical variables, as strength or range of movement (ROM); sometimes these variables do not correlate with the functional level of the patient. The principal objective of our study was to assess the repercussion of conservative treatment of DRF on upper limb disability. Methods: This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. We collected data of 61 nonconsecutive DRFs treated conservatively from July 2007 to August 2008. Results: Average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score before fracture was 20.8 points; average DASH score after the fracture was 42.6. There was a significant increase in the upper limb disability after 1 year of follow-up in the patients treated conservatively ( P < .001; size effect, 1.06). Average radial inclination, radial tilt, and radial length were 18.18°, 3.35°, and 5.76 mm, respectively. Average ROM for flexion-extension was 100.6° and for pronation-supination 144.0°. ROM for flexion-extension of the unaffected wrist was 128.2° and for pronation-supination 172.4°. We did not find any significant statistical correlation between the increase in disability and the decrease in the ROM ( P > .05). We did not find any significant statistical correlation between the increase in the disability and the worsening in the radiological parameters ( P > .05). Our results confirm the hypothesis that the conservative treatment of DRF produced an increase in the upper limb disability after 1 year of follow-up. Conclusions: Our study does not show a correlation between the increase in upper limb disability and the decrease in wrist ROM. Our study did not find a correlation between radiological measures and DASH scores.
“I Don’t Want You Sitting Next to Me”
Authors: Grant Aimee
Published: June 2017

The challenges of access in ethnographic research are well-documented in methodological literature, but poorly described in many empirical studies. To date, very little research has focused on access to organizations. In this article, I describe the ongoing access challenges in a period of fieldwork in UK Jobcentre Plus (welfare) offices. Access was granted in four phases: organizational access at a national level (macro), access to individual offices (meso), access to advisors as interview subjects (very limited micro), and finally access to shadow one welfare advisor (limited micro). However, access to observe multiple advisors (full micro) did not occur. In this article, I draw on field notes and interview extracts from advisors as one source of ethnographic data and compare these to data generated in interviews with benefit claimants who were recruited from charities and interviewed away from Jobcentre Plus offices. Differences were found between these two data sources, which highlight that access arrangements impacted on the data collected. Researchers should acknowledge and reflect upon access arrangements at the macro-, meso-, and microlevel in the presentation of ethnographic research findings.
Vector velocity estimation of blood flow – A new application in medical ultrasound
Authors: Hansen Kristoffer Lindskov , Nielsen Michael Bachmann , Jensen Jørgen Arendt
Published: June 2017

Vector flow techniques in the field of ultrasound encompass different pulse emission and estimation strategies. Numerous techniques have been introduced over the years, and recently commercial implementations usable in the clinic have been made. A number of clinical papers using different vector velocity approaches have been published. This review will give an overview of the most significant in vivo results achieved with ultrasound vector flow techniques, and will outline some of the possible clinical applications for vector velocity estimation in the future.
Effects of microRNA-223 on morphine analgesic tolerance by targeting NLRP3 in a rat model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Xie Xiao-Juan , Ma Li-Gang , Xi Kai , Fan Dong-Mei , Li Jian-Guo , Zhang Quan , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2017

Objective

To investigate the effects of microRNA-223 on morphine analgesic tolerance by targeting NLRP3 in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

Methods

Our study selected 100 clean grade healthy Sprague-Dawley adult male rats weighing 200 to 250 g. After establishment of a rat model of chronic constriction injury, these rats were divided into 10 groups (10 rats in each group): the normal control, sham operation, chronic constriction injury, normal saline, morphine, miR-223, NLRP3, miR-223 + morphine, NLRP3 + morphine, and miR-223 + NLRP3 + morphine groups. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used for detecting the mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, Caspase-1, Interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 in sections of lumbar spinal cord. Immunohistochemistry was applied for detecting the positive rates of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18.

Results

The paw withdrawal threshold and percentage maximum possible effect (%MPE) were higher in chronic constriction injury group when compared with the normal control and sham operation groups. Behavioral tests showed that compared with the chronic constriction injury and normal saline groups, the morphine and miR-223 + morphine groups showed obvious analgesic effects. Expressions of miR-223 in the miR-223, miR-223 + morphine, and miR-223 + NLRP3 + morphine were significantly higher than those in the chronic constriction injury, normal saline, and morphine groups. Compared with chronic constriction injury, normal saline and morphine groups, the mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 were significantly decreased in the miR-223 and miR-223 + morphine groups, while mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 were significantly increased in the NLRP3 and NLRP3 + morphine group.

Conclusion

Our study provides strong evidence that miR-223 could suppress the activities of NLRP3 inflammasomes ( NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, and Caspase-1) to relieve morphine analgesic tolerance in rats by down-regulating NLRP3.
Molecular, cellular, and behavioral changes associated with pathological pain signaling occur after dental pulp injury
Authors: Lee Caroline S , Ramsey Austin A , De Brito-Gariepy Helaine , Michot Benoit , Podborits Eugene , Melnyk Janet , Gibbs Jennifer L
Published: June 2017

Persistent pain can occur after routine dental treatments in which the dental pulp is injured. To better understand pain chronicity after pulp injury, we assessed whether dental pulp injury in mice causes changes to the sensory nervous system associated with pathological pain. In some experiments, we compared findings after dental pulp injury to a model of orofacial neuropathic pain, in which the mental nerve is injured. After unilateral dental pulp injury, we observed increased expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA and decreased tachykinin precursor 1 gene expression, in the ipsilateral trigeminal ganglion. We also observed an ipsilateral increase in the number of trigeminal neurons expressing immunoreactivity for ATF3, a decrease in substance P (SP) immunoreactive cells, and no change in the number of cells labeled with IB4. Mice with dental pulp injury transiently exhibit hindpaw mechanical allodynia, out to 12 days, while mice with mental nerve injury have persistent hindpaw allodynia. Mice with dental pulp injury increased spontaneous consumption of a sucrose solution for 17 days while mental nerve injury mice did not. Finally, after dental pulp injury, an increase in expression of the glial markers Iba1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein occurs in the transition zone between nucleus caudalis and interpolaris, ipsilateral to the injury. Collectively these studies suggest that dental pulp injury is associated with significant neuroplasticity that could contribute to persistent pain after of dental pulp injury.
Epac and nociceptor sensitization
Authors: Huang Li-Yen M , Gu Yanping
Published: June 2017

Primary sensory neurons are responsible for transmitting sensory information from the peripheral to the central nervous system. Their responses to incoming stimulation become greatly enhanced and prolonged following inflammation, giving rise to exaggerated nociceptive responses and chronic pain. The inflammatory mediator, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), released from the inflamed tissue surrounding the terminals of sensory neurons contributes to the abnormal pain responses. PGE2 acts on G protein-coupled EP receptors to activate adenylyl cyclase, which catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate to cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP). Under normal conditions, cAMP activates primarily protein kinase A. After inflammation, cAMP also activates the exchange proteins activated by cAMP (Epacs) to produce exaggerated PGE2-mediated hyperalgesia. The role of cAMP-Epac signaling in the generation of hypersensitivity is the topic of this review.
Flat-head positioning increases cerebral blood flow in anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke. A cluster randomized phase IIb trial
Authors: Olavarría Verónica V , Lavados Pablo M , Muñoz-Venturelli Paula , González Francisca , Gaete Javier , Martins Sheila , Arima Hisatomi , Anderson Craig S , Brunser Alejandro M
Published: June 2017

Background

Whether lying-flat improves blood flow in patients with acute ischemic stroke is unknown. Our aim was to investigate if lying-flat “changes” cerebral blood flow velocities assessed by transcranial Doppler in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Methods

In a multicenter cluster clinical trial, we randomly assigned patients within 12 h from onset of a neurological deficit due to cerebral ischemia of the anterior circulation to lying-flat or upright head positioning. The primary outcome was a change of 8 cm/s or more in mean cerebral blood flow velocities on transcranial Doppler to the middle cerebral artery at 1 and 24 h post-randomization, adjusted for imbalance in baseline variables. Secondary outcomes included serious adverse events and physical functioning at 90 days.

Results

Ninety-four of 304 patients screened were recruited. The primary outcome occurred in 11 (26%) of 43 patients in the lying-flat group and in 6 (12%) of 51 in the upright group at 1 h (adjusted odds ratio, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.07 to 13.54), and in 23 (53%) and 18 (36%) patients in these respective groups at 24 h (adjusted odds ratio, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.08 to 8.53). There were no between-group differences in serious adverse events, including pneumonia, heart failure or mortality, nor in functional outcome at 3 months (adjusted common odds ratio, 1.38; 95% CI 0.64 to 3.00).

Conclusion

The lying-flat head position was associated with a significant increase in cerebral blood flow velocities at one and 24 h within the ipsilateral hemisphere of anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke, without serious safety concerns. Clinical trial registration-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01706094.
Discursive patterns of anti-feminism and pro-feminism in Arabic newspapers of the KACST corpus
Authors: Almujaiwel Sultan
Published: June 2017

This article presents the results of an analysis of the large-scale processed texts of Arabic newspapers in the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology ( KACST) Arabic Corpus Project. I adopted methods modified from the Biber Connor Upton Approach to retrieve the expanded concordances of the lexical units almarᵓ a (woman) and alnisāᵓ (women) from the corpus. The extracted text reveals the discursive patterns regarding a number of topics which are discussed in Arabic newspapers, namely, socio-culture (social practices) and eco-politics. The results of the study show how and why topics related to Arab women are discursively constructed, revealing negative patterns with regard to the topics discrimination, the veil, sports, male guardianship, driving, pro-divorce settlements and municipal elections, and positive patterns concerning the topics marital status, violence, education, travel, sexual harassment, the removal of male guardianship, employment, ministerial election and political participation. The specific case of the topic (un) veil is subsequently analysed in more detail and the results reveal that the topic is associated with negative patterns within a wider socio-cultural discourse.
Thermal comfort and drag of a streamlined cycling helmet as a function of ventilation hole placement
Authors: Underwood Lindsey , Vircondelet Claire , Jermy Mark
Published: June 2017

The ideal cycling helmet allows rapid heat loss from the head with minimum aerodynamic drag. The position and size of ventilation holes affect both heat loss and drag. An aero helmet with reconfigurable ventilation holes was mounted on a heated mannequin head in a wind tunnel at 16.7 m/s (60 km/h). Temperatures on the surface of the head, and the drag area (CdA), were measured for a number of different ventilation hole configurations. Surface temperature was lower immediately underneath the open ventilation holes, whatever configuration of open holes was tested. The average surface temperature was taken as a proxy for thermal comfort. Surprisingly, there was very little difference in average surface temperature with all holes open compared to no holes open, though the latter has lower drag. The lowest average surface temperatures were obtained when either the rearmost holes only were open or when only holes at the top of the helmet, halfway between the front and rear of the helmet, were open (referred to as ‘middle holes open’). Besides being effective in dissipating heat, these middle holes open configuration produced lower drag than the rear holes open configuration. However, we note from a previous study with this helmet that drag is more strongly affected by neck angle and how the helmet is fitted, than by the ventilation holes.
Short-Term Perioperative Complications and Mortality After Total Ankle Arthroplasty in the United States
Authors: Heida Kenneth A. , Waterman Brian , Tatro Eric , Bader Julia , McCoy Andrew C. , Rensing Nicholas , Orr Justin
Published: June 2017

This study sought to identify patient and operative demographics associated with 30-day perioperative complications in patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty as recorded in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database. Complications were divided into local and systemic and further subcategorized as major and minor. A total of 404 patients underwent total ankle arthroplasty between 2007 and 2014 as captured in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database. The overall complication rate was 2.4% with 0.5% mortality and 0.2% infection rate. Length of hospital stay, both as an end point at >5 days and as a continuous variable, was associated with overall complications (odds ratio [OR] = 9.90, P = .002 and OR = 1.52, P = .006, respectively). Patient characteristics that predicted perioperative morbidity included presence of 3 or comorbidities (OR = 8.48, P = 0.038), American Society of Anesthesiologists class III, and history of previous cardiac surgery (OR = 12.22, P = .033). Correct patient selection is imperative in achieving improved outcomes and those that are at risk for complications should be counseled as such.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Database case control study
Species Diversity in a Naturally Managed Rubber Plantation in Hainan Island, South China
Authors: Lan Guoyu , Wu Zhixiang , Chen Bangqian , Xie Guishui
Published: June 2017

Due to production activities, species richness in rubber plantations varies considerably. To answer the question of how many species could potentially survive rubber plantation, we established a dynamic plot with an area of 1 hm2 in a rubber plantation in Danzhou, Hainan Island, south China. We surveyed and analyzed plant species diversity and spatial distribution patterns of dominant species in the plot. The results showed that (a) there are a total of 183 species belonging to 155 genera and 69 families in the 1 hm2 plot of the plantation. This level of species richness is slightly lower than a typical tropical rainforest of the same size. (b) Subplots as small as 4,000 m2 already contain at least 90% of species, genus, and family, respectively, which indicates that 1 hm2 plot may be large enough for the dynamic monitoring of species diversity in rubber plantations, in our region at least. (c) All of the 20 dominant species have a clumping distribution at Scale 0 to 5 m, which is similar to the finding in tropical rain forests. In conclusion, many plant species grow back in rubber plantations that are minimally managed or called naturally managed. Such a management approach could be useful in maintaining species diversity in rubber plantations.
Delayed presentation of cerebral schistosomiasis presenting as a tumor-like brain lesion
Authors: Suthiphosuwan Suradech , Lin Amy , Gao Andrew F , Munoz David G , Spears Julian , Bharatha Aditya
Published: June 2017

Schistosomiasis is the second most common parasitic infection worldwide. North America is a nonendemic area. However, there are occasional case reports among travelers and immigrants from endemic regions. We describe a case of a 55-year-old Canadian woman who presented with first episode of seizure. Her magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed a mass-like lesion involving the left anterior temporal lobe. The lesion showed T1 hypo- and T2 hyperintense with perilesional brain edema. On post-gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted sequence, the lesion showed multiple small nodular and linear enhancements, also called an “arborized” appearance. Initially, the lesion was thought to be a malignant tumor. She underwent left anterior temporal lobe resection. Histologic examination showed parasitic eggs with a characteristic lateral spine consistent with Schistosoma mansoni infection. Upon subsequent questioning, it was revealed that the patient lived in Ghana from the ages of 8–10 years and she visited Ghana again 10 years prior for two weeks. She recalled swimming in beaches and rivers. Latent disease, as in this case with presentation, many years or decades after presumed exposure is rare but has been reported. Characteristic magnetic resonance imaging findings may suggest the diagnosis and facilitate noninvasive work-up.
Expression of JAZF1, ABCC8, KCNJ11and Notch2 genes and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms in type 2 diabetes, and their association with microvascular complications
Authors: Rasheed Maha A. , Kantoush Nagwa , Abd El-Ghaffar Nagwa , Farouk Hebatallah , Kamel Solaf , Ibrahim Alshaymaa Ahmed , Shalaby Aliaa , Mahmoud Eman , Raslan Hala M. , Saleh Omneya M.
Published: June 2017

Background:

We studied JAZF1, ABCC8, KCNJ11and Notch2 gene expression and vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms (Fok1 and Bsm1) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and tried to find out their association with microvascular complications in these patients.

Methods:

The study was conducted on 180 patients (93 complicated and 87 noncomplicated) and 150 healthy subjects. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to assess gene expression and real-time PCR was used to detect VDR genotypes. Serum vitamin D was assessed using Elisa technique.

Results:

After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index and glycated hemoglobin, altered Notch2 gene expression was found between patients and controls and between complicated and noncomplicated cases ( p = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively) and ABCC8 gene expression showed significant difference between patients and controls only ( p = 0.003), while JAZF1and KCNJ11 expression showed no significant difference between the studied groups ( p = 0.3 and 0.4, respectively). Serum vitamin D level was decreased in patients compared with controls ( p = 0.001), while no difference was detected between complicated and noncomplicated cases ( p = 0.1). Our results revealed no significant difference in VDR Fok1 and Bsm1 genotype distributions ( p = 0.7 and 0.1, respectively) and allele frequencies ( p = 0.4 and 0.1, respectively) between patients and controls. Patients with complications showed increased frequencies of Fok1GG genotype and G allele, while patients without complications showed increased frequencies of AA, then AG Fok1 genotype and A allele ( p = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). In addition, the frequencies of CC Bsm1 genotype and C allele were significantly higher among patients with complications, while frequencies of TT Bsm1 genotype and T allele were significantly higher among patients without complications ( p = 0.02 and 0.003, respectively).

Conclusion:

Altered expression of Notch2 and ABCC8 genes may play a role in the pathogenesis of T2DM. Altered expression of Notch2 and VDR polymorphisms may play a role in the development of microvascular complications in diabetic patients. These results may assist in early identification and management of diabetic complications.
Pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease: invasive hemodynamic etiology and outcomes
Authors: O’Leary Jared M. , Assad Tufik R. , Xu Meng , Birdwell Kelly A. , Farber‐Eger Eric , Wells Quinn S. , Hemnes Anna R. , Brittain Evan L.
Published: June 2017

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated with increased mortality but the hemodynamic profiles, clinical risk factors, and outcomes have not been well characterized. Our objective was to define the hemodynamic profile and related risk factors for PH in CKD patients. We extracted clinical and hemodynamic data from Vanderbilt’s de‐identified electronic medical record on all patients undergoing right heart catheterization during 1998–2014. CKD (stages III–V) was defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate thresholds. PH was defined as mean pulmonary pressure ≥ 25 mmHg and categorized into pre‐capillary and post‐capillary according to consensus recommendations. In total, 4635 patients underwent catheterization: 1873 (40%) had CKD; 1518 (33%) stage 3, 230 (5%) stage 4, and 125 (3%) stage 5. PH was present in 1267 (68%) of these patients. Post‐capillary (n = 965, 76%) was the predominant PH phenotype among CKD patients versus 302 (24%) for pre‐capillary (P < 0.001). CKD was independently associated with pulmonary hypertension (odds ratio = 1.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.18–1.65). Mortality among CKD patients rose with worsening stage and was significantly increased by PH status. PH is common and independently associated with mortality among CKD patients referred for right heart catheterization. Post‐capillary was the most common etiology of PH. These data suggest that PH is an important prognostic co‐morbidity among CKD patients and that CKD itself may have a role in the development of pulmonary vascular disease in some patients.
Balanitis xerotica obliterans: has its diagnostic accuracy improved with time?
Authors: Boksh Khalis , Patwardhan Nitin
Published: June 2017

Objectives

We observed whether general practitioners are referring more appropriately for balanitis xerotica obliterans in regards to circumcision, especially at a time of clinical concern, and whether their discriminative abilities were affected by age. We also aimed to explore if balanitis xerotica obliterans was over-diagnosed by surgeons potentially leading to unnecessary circumcisions of healthy foreskins.

Design

Cross-sectional descriptive study.

Setting

Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Participants

All children less than 16 years of age were included and were subsequently split into two categories: those less than or equal to five years and those above five years. Circumcision was justified if surgeon found pathology under foreskin commissioning guidelines set by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. After clinical diagnosis of balanitis xerotica obliterans, the pathological database was searched for histological confirmation.

Main outcome measures

Has diagnostic accuracy improved amongst general practitioners for balanitis xerotica obliterans and is there a high clinical to histological confirmation.

Results

Of the total patients, 14.5% were diagnosed clinically with balanitis xerotica obliterans. Only 66.7% of cases were histologically confirmed with chronic inflammation found in the rest; 5.5% of all boys referred had balanitis xerotica obliterans on histology; and 8.2% of children <5 had clinical balanitis xerotica obliterans with 1.7% confirmed histologically. This was in contrast with 18.1% and 9.2% found in the older cohort.

Conclusion

There remains a high diagnostic inaccuracy amongst general practitioners when referring for balanitis xerotica obliterans. This is greatest in those under five years. Although balanitis xerotica obliterans was over-diagnosed, no healthy foreskin underwent unnecessary circumcision.