bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of bovine lactoferrin onChlamydia trachomatisinfection and inflammation
Authors: Sessa Rosa , Di Pietro Marisa , Filardo Simone , Bressan Alessia , Rosa Luigi , Cutone Antimo , Frioni Alessandra , Berlutti Francesca , Paesano Rosalba , Valenti Piera
Published: October 2016

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate, intracellular pathogen responsible for the most common sexually transmitted bacterial disease worldwide, causing acute and chronic infections. The acute infection is susceptible to antibiotics, whereas the chronic one needs prolonged therapies, thus increasing the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. Novel alternative therapies are needed. The intracellular development of C. trachomatis requires essential nutrients, including iron. Iron-chelating drugs inhibit C. trachomatis developmental cycle. Lactoferrin (Lf), a pleiotropic iron binding glycoprotein, could be a promising candidate against C. trachomatis infection. Similarly to the efficacy against other intracellular pathogens, bovine Lf (bLf) could both interfere with C. trachomatis entry into epithelial cells and exert an anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro and in vivo effects of bLf against C. trachomatis infectious and inflammatory process has been investigated. BLf inhibits C. trachomatis entry into host cells when incubated with cell monolayers before or at the moment of the infection and down-regulates IL-6/IL-8 synthesized by infected cells. Six out of 7 pregnant women asymptomatically infected by C. trachomatis, after 30 days of bLf intravaginal administration, were negative for C. trachomatis and showed a decrease of cervical IL-6 levels. This is the first time that the bLf protective effect against C. trachomatis infection has been demonstrated.
Mitochondrial genome of the sweet potato hornworm, Agrius convolvuli (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), and comparison with other Lepidoptera species
Authors: Dai Li-Shang , Li Sheng , Yu Hui-min , Wei Guo-Qing , Wang Lei , Qian Cen , Zhang Cong-Fen , Li Jun , Sun Yu , Zhao Yue , Zhu Bao-Jian , Liu Chao-Liang
Published: October 2016

In the present study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Agrius convolvuli (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) and compared it with previously sequenced mitogenomes of lepidopteran species. The mitogenome was a circular molecule, 15 349 base pairs (bp) long, containing 37 genes. The order and orientation of genes in the A. convolvuli mitogenome were similar to those in sequenced mitogenomes of other lepidopterans. All 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) were initiated by ATN codons, except for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene, which seemed to be initiated by the codon CGA, as observed in other lepidopterans. Three of the 13 PCGs had the incomplete termination codon T, while the remainder terminated with TAA. Additionally, the codon distributions of the 13 PCGs revealed that Asn, Ile, Leu2, Lys, Phe, and Tyr were the most frequently used codon families. All transfer RNAs were folded into the expected cloverleaf structure except for tRNASer(AGN), which lacked a stable dihydrouridine arm. The length of the adenine (A) + thymine (T)-rich region was 331 bp. This region included the motif ATAGA followed by a 19-bp poly-T stretch and a microsatellite-like (TA)8 element next to the motif ATTTA. Phylogenetic analyses (maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods) showed that A. convolvuli belongs to the family Sphingidae.
A NETWORKS-SCIENCE INVESTIGATION INTO THE EPIC POEMS OF OSSIAN
Authors: YOSE JOSEPH , KENNA RALPH , MacCARRON PÁDRAIG , PLATINI THIERRY , TONRA JUSTIN
Published: October 2016

In 1760 James Macpherson published the first volume of a series of epic poems which he claimed to have translated into English from ancient Scottish-Gaelic sources. The poems, which purported to have been composed by a third-century bard named Ossian, quickly achieved wide international acclaim. They invited comparisons with major works of the epic tradition, including Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, and effected a profound influence on the emergent Romantic period in literature and the arts. However, the work also provoked one of the most famous literary controversies of all time, coloring the reception of the poetry to this day. The authenticity of the poems was questioned by some scholars, while others protested that they misappropriated material from Irish mythological sources. Recent years have seen a growing critical interest in Ossian, initiated by revisionist and counter-revisionist scholarship and by the two-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of the first collected edition of the poems in 1765. Here, we investigate Ossian from a networks-science point of view. We compare the connectivity structures underlying the societies described in the Ossianic narratives with those of ancient Greek and Irish sources. Despite attempts, from the outset, to position Ossian alongside the Homeric epics and to distance it from Irish sources, our results indicate significant network-structural differences between Macpherson’s text and those of Homer. They also show a strong similarity between Ossianic networks and those of the narratives known as Acallam na Senórach (Colloquy of the Ancients) from the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology.
DON’T GET CAUGHT ON THE WRONG FOOT: A RESOURCE-BASED PERSPECTIVE ON IMITATION THREATS IN INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS
Authors: FOEGE J. NILS , PIENING ERK P. , SALGE TORSTEN-OLIVER
Published: October 2016

Innovation partnerships can be a double-edged sword. While they are important vehicles for learning and value creation, such partnerships also increase a firm’s vulnerability to unintended knowledge leakage and imitation by others. In this study, we go beyond previous research by studying the imitation threats induced by innovation partnership portfolios rather than individual alliances. Drawing on the resource-based view, we develop and test a model that links salient structural attributes of partnership portfolios and distinct forms of imitation. Results from our analysis of 803 German manufacturing firms support our prediction that a firm’s probability of being imitated increases with the partnership variety of its portfolio. We also find that firms can mitigate this threat by carefully selecting innovation partners and using appropriation mechanisms.
SURVEY THE EFFECTS OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY ON INNOVATION CAPABILITY (CASE STUDY OF SAIPA COMPANY IN TEHRAN)
Authors: NAZARPOORI AMIR HOOSHANG
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this research is to describe the effects of intellectual capital (IC) and Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) on Innovation capability (INC). Through a comprehensive literature review constructs were developed. Structural equation modelling (SEM) used to test research hypotheses based on a sample of 160 top and middle managers of SAIPA Company in Tehran. The data collection instrument of this research was standard questionnaire. The reliability of this questionnaire was proved by Cronbach’s [Formula: see text]. The results showed that IC have a significant effect on ACAP and innovation capability. Path coefficients of human capital (HC) and potential ACAP (0.40) showed that HC have a biggest impact on potential ACAP than organisational capital (OC) and social capital. Also path coefficients of OC and actualised ACAP (0.30) showed that OC have a biggest impact on actualised ACAP than HC and social capital. Finally, loading of product innovation (PR INV) was 0.50 and it showed that PR INV is the best variable and measurement for describing INC in SAIPA Company.
Evaluating Haptic and Auditory Directional Guidance to Assist Blind People in Reading Printed Text Using Finger-Mounted Cameras
Authors: Stearns Lee , Du Ruofei , Oh Uran , Jou Catherine , Findlater Leah , Ross David A. , Froehlich Jon E.
Published: October 2016

The recent miniaturization of cameras has enabled finger-based reading approaches that provide blind and visually impaired readers with access to printed materials. Compared to handheld text scanners such as mobile phone applications, mounting a tiny camera on the user's own finger has the potential to mitigate camera framing issues, enable a blind reader to better understand the spatial layout of a document, and provide better control over reading pace. A finger-based approach, however, also introduces the need to guide the reader in physically navigating a document, such as tracing along lines of text. While previous work has proposed audio and haptic directional finger guidance for this purpose, user studies of finger-based reading have not provided an in-depth performance analysis of the finger-based reading process. To further investigate the effectiveness of finger-based sensing and feedback for reading printed text, we conducted a controlled laboratory experiment with 19 blind participants, comparing audio and haptic directional finger guidance within an iPad-based testbed. As a small follow-up, we asked four of those participants to return and provide feedback on a preliminary wearable prototype called HandSight. Findings from the controlled experiment show similar performance between haptic and audio directional guidance, although audio may offer an accuracy advantage for tracing lines of text. Subjective feedback also highlights trade-offs between the two types of guidance, such as the interference of audio guidance with speech output and the potential for desensitization to haptic guidance. While several participants appreciated the direct access to layout information provided by finger-based exploration, important concerns also arose about ease of use and the amount of concentration required. We close with a discussion on the effectiveness of finger-based reading for blind users and potential design improvements to the HandSight prototype.
Science Talk and Scientific Reference
Authors: Wolfgram Matthew
Published: October 2016

This review of research literature on the language practices associated with the production and circulation of scientific knowledge documents four discourse-ideological processes: data/theory enregisterment, objectification, visualization, and entextualization. I argue that these processes cause the stabilization of scientific reference by imposing a conventionalist language ideology that opposes language and the objective reality of the world that it references.
Noninvasive assessment of cardiac output by brachial occlusion-cuff technique: comparison with the open-circuit acetylene washin method
Authors: Sajgalik Pavol , Kremen Vaclav , Carlson Alex R. , Fabian Vratislav , Kim Chul-Ho , Wheatley Courtney , Gerla Vaclav , Schirger John A. , Olson Thomas P. , Johnson Bruce D.
Published: October 2016

Cardiac output (CO) assessment as a basic hemodynamic parameter has been of interest in exercise physiology, cardiology, and anesthesiology. Noninvasive techniques available are technically challenging, and thus difficult to use outside of a clinical or laboratory setting. We propose a novel method of noninvasive CO assessment using a single, upper-arm cuff. The method uses the arterial pressure pulse wave signal acquired from the brachial artery during 20-s intervals of suprasystolic occlusion. This method was evaluated in a cohort of 12 healthy individuals (age, 27.7 ± 5.4 yr, 50% men) and compared with an established method for noninvasive CO assessment, the open-circuit acetylene method (OpCirc) at rest, and during low- to moderate-intensity exercise. CO increased from rest to exercise (rest, 7.4 ± 0.8 vs. 7.2 ± 0.8; low, 9.8 ± 1.8 vs. 9.9 ± 2.0; moderate, 14.1 ± 2.8 vs. 14.8 ± 3.2 l/min) as assessed by the cuff-occlusion and OpCirc techniques, respectively. The average error of experimental technique compared with OpCirc was −0.25 ± 1.02 l/min, Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.96 (rest + exercise), and 0.21 ± 0.42 l/min with Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.87 (rest only). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated good agreement between methods (within 95% boundaries); the reproducibility coefficient (RPC) = 0.84 l/min with R2= 0.75 at rest and RPC = 2 l/min with R2= 0.92 at rest and during exercise, respectively. In comparison with an established method to quantify CO, the cuff-occlusion method provides similar measures at rest and with light to moderate exercise. Thus, we believe this method has the potential to be used as a new, noninvasive method for assessing CO during exercise.
Quantifying the Dynamics of Field Cancerization in Tobacco-Related Head and Neck Cancer: A Multiscale Modeling Approach
Authors: Ryser Marc D. , Lee Walter T. , Ready Neal E. , Leder Kevin Z. , Foo Jasmine
Published: October 2016

High rates of local recurrence in tobacco-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are commonly attributed to unresected fields of precancerous tissue. Because they are not easily detectable at the time of surgery without additional biopsies, there is a need for noninvasive methods to predict the extent and dynamics of these fields. Here, we developed a spatial stochastic model of tobacco-related HNSCC at the tissue level and calibrated the model using a Bayesian framework and population-level incidence data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry. Probabilistic model analyses were performed to predict the field geometry at time of diagnosis, and model predictions of age-specific recurrence risks were tested against outcome data from SEER. The calibrated models predicted a strong dependence of the local field size on age at diagnosis, with a doubling of the expected field diameter between ages at diagnosis of 50 and 90 years, respectively. Similarly, the probability of harboring multiple, clonally unrelated fields at the time of diagnosis was found to increase substantially with patient age. On the basis of these findings, we hypothesized a higher recurrence risk in older than in younger patients when treated by surgery alone; we successfully tested this hypothesis using age-stratified outcome data. Further clinical studies are needed to validate the model predictions in a patient-specific setting. This work highlights the importance of spatial structure in models of epithelial carcinogenesis and suggests that patient age at diagnosis may be a critical predictor of the size and multiplicity of precancerous lesions. Cancer Res; 76(24); 7078–88. ©2016 AACR.
Gram-Negative Pneumonia Alters Large-Vein Cell-Adhesion Molecule Profile and Potentiates Experimental Stasis Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Obi Andrea T. , Andraska Elizabeth , Kanthi Yogendra , Luke Catherine E. , Elfline Megan , Madathilparambil Suresh , Siahaan Teruna J. , Jaffer Farouc A. , Wakefield Thomas W. , Raghavendran Krishnan , Henke Peter K.
Published: October 2016

Background/Aims: Pneumonia is a significant risk factor for the development of venous thrombosis (VT). Cell-adhesion molecules (CAMs) are linked to the pathogenesis of both pneumonia and VT. We hypothesized that remote infection would confer a prothrombogenic milieu via systemic elevation of CAMs. Methods: Lung injury was induced in wild-type (C57BL/6) mice by lung contusion or intratracheal inoculation with Klebsiella pneumoniae or saline controls. K. pneumoniae-treated mice and controls additionally underwent inferior vena cava (IVC) ligation to generate VT. Results: Lung-contusion mice demonstrated no increase in E-selectin or P-selectin whereas mice infected with K. pneumoniae demonstrated increased circulating P-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes. Mice with pneumonia formed VT 3 times larger than controls, demonstrated significantly more upregulation of vein-wall and systemic CAMs, and formed erythrocyte-rich thrombi. Conclusion: Elevated CAM expression was identified in mice with pneumonia, but not lung contusion, indicating that the type of inflammatory stimulus and the presence of infection drive the vein-wall response. Elevation of CAMs was associated with amplified VT and may represent an alternate mechanism by which to target the prevention of VT.
Kidney Injury Marker 1 and Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Castillo-Rodriguez Esmeralda , Fernandez-Prado Raul , Martin-Cleary Catalina , Pizarro-Sánchez Maria Soledad , Sanchez-Niño Maria Dolores , Sanz Ana Belen , Fernandez-Fernandez Beatriz , Ortiz Alberto
Published: October 2016

The current categorization of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is based on biomarkers of the glomerular function (estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR) and injury (urinary albumin creatinine ratio, UACR) and provides information on the risk of death and of progression of kidney disease. However, there are gaps in knowledge regarding the risk stratification of elderly patients with eGFR 45-60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and of younger patients with higher eGFR but physiological albuminuria. In this regard, most of the kidney cell mass is composed of tubules. Recent studies have explored whether biomarkers derived from the acute kidney injury literature, which are mainly tubular injury markers, may improve the information provided by eGFR and UACR. We now review the potential role of kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 1, T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL)/lipocalin 2 as biomarkers for kidney or cardiovascular outcomes in CKD patients. In general, neither urinary KIM-1 nor urinary NGAL (uNGAL) outperform or add relevant information to eGFR or UACR. However, promising results were obtained for circulating KIM-1 prediction of renal outcomes in type 1 diabetes. Additionally, uNGAL may have some value in non-proteinuric patients and increased values have been observed in persons at risk for Mesoamerican nephropathy. Further studies are warranted in these niche populations.
Novel Insights in the Regulation of Phosphatidylserine Exposure in Human Red Blood Cells
Authors: Wesseling Mauro C. , Wagner-Britz Lisa , Nguyen Duc Bach , Asanidze Salome , Mutua Judy , Mohamed Nagla , Hanf Benjamin , Ghashghaeinia Mehrdad , Kaestner Lars , Bernhardt Ingolf
Published: October 2016

Background/Aims: In previous publications we were able to demonstrate the exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) in the outer membrane leaflet after activation of red blood cells (RBCs) by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), phorbol-12 myristate-13acetate (PMA), or 4-bromo-A23187 (A23187). It has been concluded that three different mechanisms are responsible for the PS exposure in human RBCs: (i) Ca2+-stimulated scramblase activation (and flippase inhibition) by A23187, LPA, and PMA; (ii) PKCα activation by LPA and PMA; and (iii) enhanced lipid flip flop caused by LPA. Further studies aimed to elucidate interconnections between the increased Ca2+ content, scramblase- and PKCα-activation. In addition, the role of the Ca2+-activated K+ channel (Gardos channel) activity in the process of PS exposure needs to be investigated. Methods: The intracellular Ca2+ content and the PS exposure of RBCs have been investigated after treatment with LPA (2.5 µM), PMA (6 µM), or A23187 (2 µM). Fluo-4 and annexin V-FITC has been used to detect intracellular Ca2+ content and PS exposure, respectively. Both parameters (Ca2+ content, PS exposure) were studied using flow cytometry. Inhibitors of the scramblase, the PKCα, and the Gardos channel have been applied. Results: The percentage of RBCs showing PS exposure after activation with LPA, PMA, or A23187 is significantly reduced after inhibition of the scramblase using the specific inhibitor R5421 as well as after the inhibition of the PKCα using chelerythrine chloride or calphostin C. The inhibitory effect is more pronounced when the scramblase and the PKCα are inhibited simultaneously. Additionally, the inhibition of the Gardos channel using charybdotoxin resulted in a significant reduction of the percentage of RBCs showing PS exposure under all conditions measured. Similar results were obtained when the Gardos channel activity was suppressed by increased extracellular K+ content. Conclusion: PS exposure is mediated by the Ca2+-dependent scramblase but also by PKCα activated by LPA and PMA in a Ca2+-dependent and a Ca2+-independent manner. Furthermore, we hypothesize that a hyperpolarisation of RBCs caused by the opening of the Gardos channel is essential for the scramblase activity as well as for a fraction of the LPA-induced Ca2+ entry.
A Comprehensive Review on Eryptosis
Authors: Pretorius Etheresia , du Plooy Jeanette N. , Bester Janette
Published: October 2016

Erythrocytes (RBCs) are extremely sensitive cells, and although they do not have nuclei and mitochondria, are important health indicators. This is particularly true because, during inflammation, whether it is systemic or chronic, the haematological system is constantly exposed to circulating inflammatory mediators. RBCs have a highly specialized and organized membrane structure, which interacts and reacts to inflammatory molecule insults, and undergo programmed cell death, similar to apoptosis, known as eryptosis. Over the past years, eryptosis studies have focussed on determining if membrane changes have occurred, particularly whether a phosphatidylserine (PS) flip, Ca2+ leakage into the cell, changes to ceramide and cell shrinkage have occurred. Mostly, flow cytometry is used, but confocal microscopy and ultrastructural studies also confirm eryptosis. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of eryptosis, where we revisit the biochemical process of the process, review all literature in PUBMED, that is shown under the search word, “eryptosis”, and also discuss current methodologies to determine the presence of eryptosis; included in the discussion of the methodologies, we discuss a pitfalls section for each method. This paper is therefore a comprehensive synopsis of current knowledge of eryptosis and discusses how RBCs may provide an essential in vivo cell model system to study not only inflammation in disease, but also track disease progression and treatment regimes.
Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Exacerbates Keloid Cell Proliferation by Regulating Telomerase
Authors: Yu Dongmei , Shang Yong , Yuan Jian , Ding Shuang , Luo Sai , Hao Lijun
Published: October 2016

Objectives: Our goal was to investigate the relationship between keloid and telomerase as well as clarifying the influence of Wnt/β-catenin signaling on keloid cell proliferation. Methods: Tissues from 18 keloid patients were collected for further study. Keloid progenitor cells (KPC) and skin progenitor cells (SKP) were both included in this study. Lenti-virus transfection was used to divide cells into different groups in which cells were treated with different substances: negative control (NC) group, wnt10a siRNA group, β-catenin siRNA group and TERT siRNA group. KPC cells were injected into 20 male BALB/c nude mice in order to build tumor models. Several experiments including immunohistochemistry, western blot and RT-PCR were conducted in order to detect the corresponding protein expressions and relative mRNA levels. MTT assay and flow cytometry were also conducted for assessing cell proliferation and apoptosis status. Results: β-catenin and telomerase expression levels in keloid tissues were elevated compared to normal tissues (all P < 0.05). KPC cells in keloid exhibited more dynamic telomerase activity than SKP cells (P < 0.05). Luciferase activity assay confirmed that β-catenin could directly interact with telomerase. After wnt10a/β-catenin signaling pathway was inhibited, the proliferation of KPC cells was significantly suppressed and the apoptosis rate was remarkably increased (all P < 0.05). Results from tumor models also validated that wnt10a/β-catenin signaling pathway influenced the activity and length of telomerase. Conclusions: Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is able to exacerbate keloid cell proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of keloid cells through its interaction with telomerase.
Dietary Magnesium and Kidney Function Decline: The Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span Study
Authors: Rebholz Casey M. , Tin Adrienne , Liu Yang , Kuczmarski Marie Fanelli , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B. , Crews Deidra C.
Published: October 2016

Background: Prior studies suggest that certain aspects of the diet related to magnesium intake, such as dietary acid load, protein intake and dietary patterns rich in fruits and vegetables, may impact kidney disease risk. We hypothesized that lower dietary magnesium intake would be prospectively associated with more rapid kidney function decline. Methods: Among participants in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2 at baseline (2004-2009), dietary magnesium intake was calculated from two 24-hour dietary recalls. Rapid decline was defined as ≥3% eGFR decline per year. Results: Median (25th-75th percentile) dietary magnesium intake was 116 (96-356) mg/1,000 kcal. Among 1,252 participants, those with lower dietary magnesium intake were younger, and were more likely to be African-American men. A total of 177 participants (14.1%) experienced rapid eGFR decline over a median follow-up of 5 years. Lower dietary magnesium intake was significantly associated with a greater odds of rapid eGFR decline (OR for tertile 1 vs. 3: 2.02, 95% CI 1.05-3.86, p value for trend across tertiles = 0.02) in analyses adjusted for sociodemographics (age, sex, race, education level, health insurance status, poverty status), kidney disease risk factors (smoking status, diabetes, hemoglobin A1c, hypertension, body mass index), baseline eGFR and dietary factors (total energy intake; diet quality; dietary intake of fiber, sodium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus). Conclusions: In this urban population, lower dietary magnesium intake was independently associated with greater odds of rapid kidney function decline.
Concurrent Hemoperfusion and Hemodialysis in Patients with Acute Pesticide Intoxication
Authors: Park Samel , Lee Sunhyo , Park Suyeon , Gil Hyowook , Lee Eunyoung , Yang Jongoh , Hong Saeyong
Published: October 2016

Background: Water soluble and insoluble chemicals in the pesticide formulation may be eliminated more effectively in time if hemodialysis (HD) and hemoperfusion (HP) are performed concurrently. Aim: This study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy of concurrent HP and HD in patients with acute pesticide intoxication. Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2012, we used HP and HD consecutively (HP-HD group, 347 cases), and then during the next 2 years (January 2013 to December 2014), we used concurrent HP and HD (HPD group, 383 cases). We compared the clinical outcomes between the 2 groups. Results: The mortality was higher in the HP-HD group than in the HPD group: (48.1 vs. 20.9%) for the overall mortality and (81.8 vs. 57.9%) for the paraquat (bipyridylium) mortality (p < 0.001). In multiple logistic analyses, age (p = 0.013), ingested volume (p < 0.001), and HP-HD (p = 0.014) were significant risk factors for mortality in the paraquat ingested group. Conclusion: Concurrent HP and HD would be an effective and safe treatment for patients with acute pesticide intoxication, in particular, paraquat intoxication.
Bridge Suture for Successful McDonald Emergency Cerclage
Authors: Tanaka Masaaki , Hori Yoshiaki , Shirafuji Aya , Kato Mitsunori , Kato Jyun , Kobayashi Hiroto , Tsuchida Toru , Fukae Tsukasa
Published: October 2016

Objectives: To create awareness about a surgical technique termed bridge suture, which is performed as a pretreatment before a McDonald cerclage is performed on an emergency to treat severe cervical insufficiency. Methods: Procedures for bridge suture were reviewed in detail and outcomes of 16 patients treated with bridge suture followed by McDonald cerclage were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Using the bridge suture, the edges of uterine cervix were temporarily sutured and the external uterine os was closed, while the hourglass-shaped fetal membranes were concomitantly confined within the cervix; subsequently, a McDonald cerclage was performed. Over a 22-year period, 16 patients with a dilated cervix and bulging fetal membranes were treated using the technique of bridge suture followed by an emergency cerclage. The mean gestational age at cerclage was 22.5 weeks; the mean gestational age at delivery was 30.7 weeks; and the mean interval between cerclage and delivery was 8.2 weeks. In 15 out of 16 cases, cerclage was performed without encountering any complications. No maternal complications, including cervical laceration, were observed. The mean body weight of 17 neonates, including that of a twin, was 1,516 g and of them, 15 neonates survived. Conclusion: The important outcome of bridge suture is the replacement of fetal membranes back into the uterine cavity before McDonald's cerclage is performed. Pretreatment with bridge suture may facilitate the performance of a successful emergency cerclage and contribute to good maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Preoperative 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/CT in Prediction of Uterine Risk Factors and Lymph Node Metastasis: An Analysis of 111 Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer Patients
Authors: Konuralp Atakul Bahar , Taşkın Salih , Soydal Çiğdem , Sükür Yavuz Emre , Kahraman Alper , Koyuncu Kazibe , İbiş Erkan , Ortac Firat
Published: October 2016

Introduction: This study evaluated the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) in the detection of lymph node metastases and the association between uterine maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) and the histopathological features in endometrial cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer underwent preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and were staged surgically. 18F-FDG PET/CT findings were compared with final pathology reports. Grade 3 histology or grade 2 histology with myometrial invasion ≥50% was established as a high risk feature. Results: One hundred and eleven patients were analysed. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the detection of lymph node metastasis in all patients (n = 111) were 67, 96, 93, 60 and 97%, respectively. In the high-risk group, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV of 18F-FDG PET/CT were 75, 92, 91, 60 and 96%, respectively. Uterine SUVmax was found to be associated with myometrial invasion, grade and cervical stromal involvement. Conclusions:18F-FDG PET/CT has limited sensitivity and accuracy in detecting lymph node metastasis. Therefore, as of now, it is not accepted as a modality that can replace lymphadenectomy. SUVmax values can predict high-risk factors.
Cataract Surgery with a New Fluidics Control Phacoemulsification System in Nanophthalmic Eyes
Authors: Chang John S.M. , Ng Jack C.M. , Chan Vincent K.C. , Law Antony K.P.
Published: October 2016

Purpose: To report visual outcomes and complications after cataract surgery in nanophthalmic eyes with a phacoemulsification system using the active fluidics control strategy. Methods: This is a retrospective case series. All eyes with an axial length of less than 20 mm that underwent cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange using the Centurion Vision System (Alcon Laboratories Inc.) in Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital were evaluated. The visual acuity and intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported. Prior approval from the Hospital Research Committee has been granted. Results: Five eyes of 3 patients were included. The mean follow-up period was 10.2 ± 5.3 months (range, 4–18). Two eyes (40%) had a one-line loss of corrected distance visual acuity. No uveal effusion and posterior capsular tear developed. An optic crack and haptic breakage in the intraocular lens developed in 1 eye (20%) and 2 eyes (40%), respectively. Additional surgeries to treat high postoperative intraocular pressure were required in 1 eye (20%). Conclusion: The use of a new phacoemulsification system, which actively monitors and maintains the intraoperative pressure, facilitated anterior chamber stability during cataract surgery in nanophthalmic eyes. This minimized the risk of major complications related to unstable anterior chambers such as uveal effusion and posterior capsular tear. Development of intraoperative crack/breakage in a high-power intraocular lens was common.
Inhibitory Effects of Antidepressants on Acetylcholine-Induced Contractions in Isolated Guinea Pig Urinary Bladder Smooth Muscle
Authors: Uno Junji , Obara Keisuke , Suzuki Hiroko , Miyatani Satomi , Chino Daisuke , Yoshio Takashi , Tanaka Yoshio
Published: October 2016

Background/Aims: To investigate the potential inhibitory effects of 18 clinically available antidepressants on acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contractions in guinea pig urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) in order to predict whether they may induce voiding impairment. Methods: Concentration-response curves for ACh-induced contractions in guinea pig UBSM strips were obtained in the absence or presence of selected antidepressants. When inhibitory effects indicated competitive antagonism, pA2 values against ACh were calculated and compared to plausible antidepressant blood concentrations. Results: ACh-induced contraction was antagonized competitively within clinical dose ranges by tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine, amitriptyline, trimipramine, clomipramine, nortriptyline, and amoxapine), maprotiline (a tetracyclic antidepressant), and mirtazapine (a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant). ACh-induced contraction was also significantly inhibited by mianserin (a tetracyclic antidepressant), paroxetine and sertraline (serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs), and duloxetine (a serotonin noradrenaline (norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitor, SNRI), albeit at concentrations that substantially exceeded clinically achievable blood levels. However, ACh-induced contractions were not significantly affected by fluvoxamine and escitalopram (SSRIs), milnacipran (an SNRI), trazodone (a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonist), sulpiride (a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist), or aripiprazole (a dopamine partial agonist). Conclusion: These findings suggest that in addition to tricyclics, some relatively novel antidepressants such as mirtazapine can induce voiding impairment, attributed to diminished UBSM contractility from the inhibition of muscarinic receptors in the UBSM.
Potencial ornamental do Maciço Glória Norte, Domínio Macururé, Sistema Orogênico Sergipano
Authors: Lisboa Vinícius Anselmo Carvalho , Simões Caroline Bomfim Santana , Rios Débora Correia , Conceição Herbet
Published: October 2016

“Granitos ornamentais” correspondem no mercado de rochas ornamentais a rochas que incluem tanto aquelas de origem ígnea quanto metamórfica. Isto reflete a informalidade do setor e sua independência dos conceitos teórico-acadêmicos que definem e classificam as rochas, já que a aceitação de um tipo litológico no mercado de rochas ornamentais depende, principalmente, de fatores estéticos e físicos, deixando muitas vezes de lado a avaliação das propriedades mineralógicas, texturais e estruturais. Este trabalho enfoca a avaliação do potencial de uso ornamental das rochas da Fácies Porfirítica (MP) do Maciço Glória Norte (MGN), em Sergipe, a partir de estudos petrográficos associados com a aplicação do Índice de Atratividade Econômico-Geológica (IAEG). Este índice vem sendo cada vez mais aplicado na avaliação do potencial ornamental de uma rocha a partir da qualificação e quantificação de uma série de critérios que consideram não só os aspectos de campo e mercadológicos, mas incluem a aplicação de estudos petrográficos e a observação de aspectos sobre a mineralogia, forma, dimensões, e relações de contato entre os minerais, bem como as alterações e deformações sofridas por aquele material. Os valores obtidos para o IAEG variam entre 54 e 63. Por sua vez, a determinação de alguns parâmetros físicos a partir do estudo petrográfico revelou a ausência de falhas e/ou fraturas expressivas, pouca alteração dos feldspatos e baixa quantidade de óxidos e sulfetos, o que agrega valor a este material na sua aplicação na construção civil. Os resultados aqui obtidos a partir da associação do IAEG com os parâmetros petrográficos e estruturais evidenciam um potencial ornamental médio a alto, sugerindo a possível utilização das rochas do MGN no mercado de rochas ornamentais, principalmente para os litotipos da Fácies MP. Ressalta-se, entretanto, que este uso comercial ainda exige a aplicação dos testes e ensaios tecnológicos, uma avaliação de mercado, e que haja um esforço dos órgãos competentes para fomentar a criação de uma cadeia ou arranjo produtivo para rochas ornamentais no Estado de Sergipe, que viabilize a sua explotação.
Modelo geométrico de fraturas e análise da tectônica rúptil aplicados ao estudo do fluxo do aquífero cristalino, São Paulo (SP)
Authors: Fernandes Amélia João , Fiume Bruna , Bertolo Reginaldo , Hirata Ricardo Cesar Aoki
Published: October 2016

A análise detalhada de estruturas rúpteis é uma ferramenta ainda pouco utilizada no estudo de aquíferos fraturados, apesar de ser complementar aos dados obtidos em poços e de fornecer elementos de grande relevância para a elaboração de modelos conceituais de fluxo de água subterrânea. Este trabalho apresenta análise de dados coletados em pedreiras do Complexo Embu, visando elaborar modelo geométrico de fraturas em granitos e gnaisses pré-cambrianos, de modo a fornecer subsídios a projeto mais amplo de caracterização de contaminação de aquíferos por solventes organoclorados da área industrial do Jurubatuba, na cidade de São Paulo. Os dados coletados ao longo de scanlines, com correção do viés de orientação, e em observações pontuais, permitiram caracterizar grupos de fraturas, bem como seus respectivos campos de esforços e idades relativas. Os grupos subverticais de expressão regional são extrapoláveis para a área do Jurubatuba, complementando os dados obtidos em perfilagens de poços verticais. A transmissividade relativa dos grupos de fraturas é indicada pelo seu grau de intemperismo, presença de vegetação e de saídas de água. A pedreira constituída de gnaisses é o melhor análogo da geologia da área industrial. Sua foliação, afetada por dobra cilíndrica aberta e assimétrica, é de baixo a médio mergulho para SE ou NW e foi intensamente reativada como fraturas contínuas e de baixo mergulho, cuja transmissividade é relativamente elevada. Abundantes fraturas NW subverticais podem ser o principal caminho para o fluxo vertical. Fraturas subverticais NE são transmissivas, no entanto apresentam grande espaçamento e, por isso, são consideradas de menor importância para o fluxo, da mesma forma que as frequentes fraturas subverticais EW, de menor transmissividade relativa.
Polygenic Versus Monogenic Causes of Hypercholesterolemia Ascertained Clinically
Authors: Wang Jian , Dron Jacqueline S. , Ban Matthew R. , Robinson John F. , McIntyre Adam D. , Alazzam Maher , Zhao Pei Jun , Dilliott Allison A. , Cao Henian , Huff Murray W. , Rhainds David , Low-Kam Cécile , Dubé Marie-Pierre , Lettre Guillaume , Tardif Jean-Claude , Hegele Robert A.
Published: October 2016

Objective—

Next-generation sequencing technology is transforming our understanding of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, including revision of prevalence estimates and attribution of polygenic effects. Here, we examined the contributions of monogenic and polygenic factors in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia referred to a specialty clinic.

Approach and Results—

We applied targeted next-generation sequencing with custom annotation, coupled with evaluation of large-scale copy number variation and polygenic scores for raised low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in a cohort of 313 individuals with severe hypercholesterolemia, defined as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >5.0 mmol/L (>194 mg/dL). We found that (1) monogenic familial hypercholesterolemia–causing mutations detected by targeted next-generation sequencing were present in 47.3% of individuals; (2) the percentage of individuals with monogenic mutations increased to 53.7% when copy number variations were included; (3) the percentage further increased to 67.1% when individuals with extreme polygenic scores were included; and (4) the percentage of individuals with an identified genetic component increased from 57.0% to 92.0% as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level increased from 5.0 to >8.0 mmol/L (194 to >310 mg/dL).

Conclusions—

In a clinically ascertained sample with severe hypercholesterolemia, we found that most patients had a discrete genetic basis detected using a comprehensive screening approach that includes targeted next-generation sequencing, an assay for copy number variations, and polygenic trait scores.
UVB Exposure Prevents Atherosclerosis by Regulating Immunoinflammatory Responses
Authors: Sasaki Naoto , Yamashita Tomoya , Kasahara Kazuyuki , Fukunaga Atsushi , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Emoto Takuo , Yodoi Keiko , Matsumoto Takuya , Nakajima Kenji , Kita Tomoyuki , Takeda Masafumi , Mizoguchi Taiji , Hayashi Tomohiro , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Hatakeyama Mayumi , Taguchi Kumiko , Washio Ken , Sakaguchi Shimon , Malissen Bernard , Nishigori Chikako , Hirata Ken-ichi
Published: October 2016

Objective—

UVB irradiation is an established treatment for immunoinflammatory cutaneous disorders and has been shown to suppress cutaneous and systemic inflammatory diseases through modulation of the adaptive immune response. However, it remains unknown whether UVB irradiation prevents an immunoinflammatory disease of arteries such as atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results—

Here, we show that UVB exposure inhibits the development and progression of atherosclerosis in atherosclerosis-prone mice by expanding and enhancing the functional capacity of CD4
+
forkhead box P3
+
regulatory T cells and regulating proatherogenic T-cell responses. Experimental studies in Langerhans cell–depleted mice revealed that epidermal Langerhans cells play a critical role in UVB-dependent induction of CD4
+
forkhead box P3
+
regulatory T cells, suppression of proatherogenic T-cell responses, and prevention of atherosclerotic plaque development.

Conclusions—

Our findings suggest the skin immune system as a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerosis and provide a novel strategy for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis.
A Precision Medicine Approach to the Rescue of Function on Malignant Calmodulinopathic Long-QT Syndrome
Authors: Limpitikul Worawan B. , Dick Ivy E. , Tester David J. , Boczek Nicole J. , Limphong Pattraranee , Yang Wanjun , Choi Myoung Hyun , Babich Jennifer , DiSilvestre Deborah , Kanter Ronald J. , Tomaselli Gordon F. , Ackerman Michael J. , Yue David T.
Published: October 2016

Rationale:

Calmodulinopathies comprise a new category of potentially life-threatening genetic arrhythmia syndromes capable of producing severe long-QT syndrome (LQTS) with mutations involving
CALM1
,
CALM2
, or
CALM3
. The underlying basis of this form of LQTS is a disruption of Ca
2+
/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent inactivation of L-type Ca
2+
channels.

Objective:

To gain insight into the mechanistic underpinnings of calmodulinopathies and devise new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this form of LQTS.

Methods and Results:

We generated and characterized the functional properties of induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes from a patient with D130G-
CALM2
–mediated LQTS, thus creating a platform with which to devise and test novel therapeutic strategies. The patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes display (1) significantly prolonged action potentials, (2) disrupted Ca
2+
cycling properties, and (3) diminished Ca
2+
/CaM-dependent inactivation of L-type Ca
2+
channels. Next, taking advantage of the fact that calmodulinopathy patients harbor a mutation in only 1 of 6 redundant CaM-encoding alleles, we devised a strategy using CRISPR interference to selectively suppress the mutant gene while sparing the wild-type counterparts. Indeed, suppression of
CALM2
expression produced a functional rescue in induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes with D130G-
CALM2
, as shown by the normalization of action potential duration and Ca
2+
/CaM-dependent inactivation after treatment. Moreover, CRISPR interference can be designed to achieve selective knockdown of any of the 3
CALM
genes, making it a generalizable therapeutic strategy for any calmodulinopathy.

Conclusions:

Overall, this therapeutic strategy holds great promise for calmodulinopathy patients as it represents a generalizable intervention capable of specifically altering CaM expression and potentially attenuating LQTS-triggered cardiac events, thus initiating a path toward precision medicine.
School Choice in Indianapolis: Effects of Charter, Magnet, Private, and Traditional Public Schools
Authors: Berends Mark , Waddington R. Joseph
Published: October 2016

School choice researchers are often limited to comparing one type of choice with another (e.g., charter schools vs. traditional public schools). One area researchers have not examined is the effects of different school types within the same urban region. We fill this gap by analyzing longitudinal data for students (grades 3–8) in Indianapolis, using student fixed effects models to estimate the impacts of students switching from a traditional public school to a charter, magnet, Catholic, or other private school. We find that students experience no differences in their achievement gains after transferring from a traditional public school to a charter school. However, students switching to magnet schools experience modest annual losses of −0.09 standard deviation (SD) in mathematics and −0.11 SD in English Language Arts. Students switching to Catholic schools also experience annual losses of −0.18 SD in mathematics. These findings are robust to a series of alternative model specifications. Additionally, we find some variability in the mean school type impacts by students’ race/ethnicity, English language learner status, and number of years enrolled in a choice school. We discuss our results in the context of the variability of choice school effects across an entire urban area, something future research needs to examine.
Covert Pied-Piping in English Multiple Wh-Questions
Authors: Kotek Hadas , Erlewine Michael Yoshitaka
Published: October 2016

In this article, we argue for the existence of covert pied-piping in wh-questions through a previously unnoticed pattern of intervention effects in Superiority-obeying English multiple wh-questions. We show that the preference of covert pied-piping, unlike that of overt pied-piping, is for movement of larger constituents. We argue that this discrepancy stems from conflicting requirements of PF and LF: overt pied-piping feeds both LF and PF, but covert pied-piping feeds LF only. The study of covert pied-piping thus reveals the true preference of LF and narrow syntax with regard to pied-piping: larger pied-piping constituents are preferred over smaller ones. This preference can be overridden by certain PF constraints that apply to overt pied-piping.
Parameters of Poor Pronoun Systems
Authors: Harbour Daniel
Published: October 2016

The world’s smallest pronoun systems can eschew any of the following contrasts: (a) author-nonauthor, (b) participant-nonparticipant, (c) singular-nonsingular. This supports the view that features are mutually independent parameters ( Harbour 2011a , 2014a , 2016 ), but is problematic for Koeneman and Zeijlstra’s (2014) reworking of the Rich Agreement Hypothesis, which is predicated on the claim that (a)–(c) are universally obligatory. The facts necessitate revision of Koeneman and Zeijlstra’s proposal.